The Passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia who was found dead today in San Antonio. The death appears to be of natural causes, Scalia was 79 years old. This news will have a direct impact on the presidential election since the next president will likely be tasked with appointing a Supreme Court Justice. Look for this topic to get a lot of attention tonight at the Republican debate later this evening.

Report from MySanAntonio:

Associate Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead of apparent natural causes Saturday on a luxury resort in West Texas, federal officials said.

Scalia, 79, was a guest at the Cibolo Creek Ranch, a resort in the Big Bend region south of Marfa.

According to a report, Scalia arrived at the ranch on Friday and attended a private party with about 40 people. When he did not appear for breakfast, a person associated with the ranch went to his room and found a body.

Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia, of the Western Judicial District of Texas, was notified about the death from the U.S. Marshals Service.

U.S. District Judge Fred Biery said he was among those notified about Scalia’s death.

“I was told it was this morning,” Biery said of Scalia’s death. “It happened on a ranch out near Marfa. As far as the details, I think it’s pretty vague right now as to how,” he said. “My reaction is it’s very unfortunate. It’s unfortunate with any death, and politically in the presidential cycle we’re in, my educated guess is nothing will happen before the next president is elected.”

Scalia was a conservative stalwart on the bench, often coming down to the right of Chief Justice John Roberts on issues such as the Obamacare decision. Please keep your comments respectful as we reflect on this breaking news.