Former Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork listens during a panel discussion about the U.S. Senate's role on judicial nomination process September 1, 2005 in Washington, DC. Bork was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1987, but his confirmation was denied by the Senate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
UNDATED (CNN) -- Former Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork passed away early this morning (Wednesday).
The 85-year old conservative judge died after complications of a heart condition at his home in Virginia.
President Reagan nominated Bork to the high court in 1987, but in a highly contentious battle, he was rejected by the Senate.
His defeat was the last time the Senate rejected a Supreme Court nominee.
Before that, Bork played a crucial role in the Watergate crisis as the solicitor general under President Nixon.
He was also a federal judge and conservative legal theorist.
Most recently, Bork was part of the Romney campaign, serving as the leader of Justice Advisory Committee.
Bork advocated strict interpretation of the Constitution. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday.