Theodore Olson, a former conservative lawyer who defended the 2000 Florida vote recount case on behalf of President George W. Bush, has died at the age of 84, his office announced Wednesday.
No immediate cause of death was given for the former attorney general, who is remembered for working with Bush v. Gore opponent David Boies to overturn California's Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage.
“Ted was a giant of the legal world and one of the most extraordinary and eloquent advocates of our time,” Barbara Becker, chairman and managing partner of Gibson Dunn, said in a statement. “He was a creative, principled, fearless and pioneering advocate who cared for all people. My condolences to the ladies and all of Ted's loved ones.
According to the firm, Mr. Olson's career has included “supporting two cases arising from the 2000 presidential election, Bush v. Gore, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, and Hollingsworth v. Perry. He has argued 65 cases in the Supreme Court. Successfully challenged California's Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage and Department of Homeland Security v. Board of Regents of the University of California. The Trump administration's reversal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. ”
Flashback: During the 9/11 hijacking, Olson's late wife Barbara called him.
Former U.S. Attorney General Theodore Olson testifies during the fourth day of the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh on September 7, 2018 at the Capitol in Washington. (Reuters/Chris Watty)
“Ted's Supreme Court arguments include separation of powers, federalism, voting rights, the First Amendment, equal protection and due process clauses, patents and copyrights, antitrust, taxation, property rights, and punitive laws. Cases included damages, Commerce Clause, immigration, and criminal matters. Law, securities, the Internet, and other federal constitutional and legal issues were also discussed.
From 1981 to 1984, Mr. Olson served as assistant attorney general in charge of the Department of Justice's Office of General Counsel, according to Gibson Dunn. He then served as U.S. attorney general from 2001 to 2004 during the first Bush administration.
In addition to his federal role, Mr. Olson also served as a personal advisor to Mr. Bush and former President Ronald Reagan.
Since 2009, Olson has served as a director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
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Former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, and Theodore Olson, second from left, who lost his wife in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon, are pictured at the Pentagon on September 11, 2004. Participated in a moment of silence. South Lawn of the White House. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
In a statement obtained by Fox on Wednesday, board chairman Fred Ryan said, “His wisdom, candor, and willingness to help no matter how busy he was made him a valuable addition to the foundation and the institute's board of directors.'' He has become a valuable member of the team.” News Digital.
“Ted Olson wasn't just President Reagan's lawyer; he was his friend and confidant, and that friendship and bond became even stronger after Ronald Reagan left office,” Ryan said. . “The president has often credited Mr. Olson with keeping his spirits up during difficult times, and President Ronald Reagan The couple wanted to give back.'' September 11, 2001. ”
Gibson-Dunn said Olson was a two-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Justice's Edmund J. Randolph Award, the highest award for public service and leadership, and was also awarded the highest civilian honor for his legislative advocacy work. He also received the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award. The courts of the United States, including the Supreme Court. ”
Former President Ronald Reagan (left) and Ted Olson. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute described Mr. Olson as “a valued member of the Foundation and Institute's Board of Directors.” (Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute)
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Gibson died at a hospital in Falls Church, Virginia, according to the Washington Post.
