Watson Coleman: “on behalf of the people of Minnesota I have taken the floor today to express our condolences to Rehnquist family for…”

“on behalf of the people of Minnesota I have taken the floor today to express our condolences to Rehnquist family for their loss and gratitude and admiration for his extraordinary life of service. The Midwest, where William Rehnquist was born, does not have the high mountains or the pounding ocean surf of other parts of the country. We learn from our geography the value of moderation and dependability. William Rehnquist was a solid human being whose consistency and resolve as a member of the Supreme Court benefited the whole country in turbulent times. The historian Whitehead has written that the essence of leadership is maintaining order in the midst of change, and change in the midst of order. William Rehnquist lived out the principle that both change and order are necessary in the law and he knew when we needed each. Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist served America with great distinction on the Supreme Court for 33 years. His profound respect for the Constitution and his collegial relationships throughout the judiciary will be a standard for future justices. He knew that his role was more than deciding cases: it was to raise the knowledge of and respect for the rule of law. Mr. Rehnquist took his seat as an associate Supreme Court justice in 1972 after being appointed by President Richard Nixon, and became Chief Justice in 1986, during the Reagan administration. His opinions reflected a staunch adherence to the constitutional principle of State's rights.…”