2020 Dems honor Justice Stevens

Democratic presidential candidates paid tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens on Twitter after the top court announced Tuesday evening he had died at the age of 99.

Stevens was a prominent liberal on the court during his time serving — from 1975 until he retired in 2010 — playing key roles in decisions to protect civil rights, abortion access and the environment.

Stevens served as an intelligence officer during World War II prior to his career as a judge, breaking Japanese radio codes and ultimately earning a Bronze Star.

{mosads}“Justice Stevens was a decent, honorable man who served our country well. He understood that the most important thing about being on the Court is treating people with dignity and respect. I was honored to have known him. @DrBiden and I are sending our prayers to his family,” former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted Wednesday.

Justice Stevens was a decent, honorable man who served our country well. He understood that the most important thing about being on the Court is treating people with dignity and respect. I was honored to have known him. @DrBiden and I are sending our prayers to his family.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 17, 2019

“From breaking codes in World War II to breaking down barriers for civil rights, Justice John Paul Stevens lived up to those words above the Court: Equal Justice Under Law,” Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) said. “Our nation was better for his service and we mourn his loss.”

From breaking codes in World War II to breaking down barriers for civil rights, Justice John Paul Stevens lived up to those words above the Court: Equal Justice Under Law. Our nation was better for his service and we mourn his loss.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 17, 2019

“Justice Stevens was a judicial giant, a son of the Midwest who became one of the most influential jurists on the Court. His reverence for the law—and appreciation for how its practice must evolve to strengthen our democracy—inspires us all. My thoughts are with his family,” South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg tweeted.

Justice Stevens was a judicial giant, a son of the Midwest who became one of the most influential jurists on the Court. His reverence for the law—and appreciation for how its practice must evolve to strengthen our democracy—inspires us all. My thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/9fmF06Jwhi

— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 17, 2019

“John Paul Stevens served with integrity and honor on the Supreme Court for over 3 decades. He was a dedicated public servant who put the law and the Constitution ahead of politics. Saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) echoed.

John Paul Stevens served with integrity and honor on the Supreme Court for over 3 decades. He was a dedicated public servant who put the law and the Constitution ahead of politics. Saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/tNJJyqAx8O

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) July 17, 2019

“Justice Stevens was a reminder of what the best of America looks like. His voice and his love of this nation will be dearly missed,” former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper tweeted.

Justice Stevens was a reminder of what the best of America looks like. His voice and his love of this nation will be dearly missed.https://t.co/XsBxTvnFeN pic.twitter.com/r9aZptWHze

— John Hickenlooper (@Hickenlooper) July 17, 2019

Several lawmakers also paid tribute to the late Supreme Court justice. 

Stevens is survived by two daughters, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.