AUSTIN – America suffered a major loss with the passing of US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. He was an unwavering champion of our Constitution and the rule of law. Justice Scalia said what he meant, and undoubtedly meant what he said.

A man of principle and a true constitutional textualist, his legal opinions followed the text of what constitutional authors wrote and not the wavering notions of the day.

Perhaps no other jurist coming before, or after Justice Scalia will have a better understanding of the separation of powers, or the importance of protecting states’ rights or sanctity of individual liberties. But the enormity of finding his replacement will impact us all.

My thoughts and prayers are with Justice Scalia’s wife Maureen and his family.