He knew the law well. He knew his facts well. He was always scrupulously honest. He really tried to do the right thing. He is persuasive in the courtroom. He has this particular quality that is rare in young lawyers but is incredibly important, which is a well-proportioned mix of wisdom, discernment, and humility. He's a great lawyer.

Our first interaction with each other was, in fact, when someone who had already hired Blake decided to hire me instead. (Blake had handled the case well; I simply had a personal connection with the client.) This first interaction was meaningful to me because it illustrates a person's true colors. Despite losing the business, Blake was kind and helpful and, most importantly, gracious. He's a great person.

Ultimately, however, my affection for and endorsement of Blake is motivated by my experience with him as my friend. I do not mean that in the normal transactional sense; it is not simply that we are buddies. It is not simply that we can hang out or have common interests. Blake has been consistently invested in me, as a person, for no other reason than he cares. He has been there for me when I needed it, when there was nothing in it for him. He is a guy that you call when you need someone to answer. This is a rare, precious quality. No, a prosecutor does not need to be friends with everyone, but he or she does need compassion. Blake has it; most prosecutors don't.

Blake is obnoxiously well-organized and is gifted to handle administrative tasks. He hires people well. He gets things done. This is the most important professional quality to look for in an elected prosecutor. He is also a good husband and a good dad. Justice, as well as charity, starts at home.

I know Blake's opponent. If elected, I think he will do a good job. But Blake is the better choice, and it's not even close. He will do an excellent job as prosecutor.