Ben, your best endorsement is the one Andrea McLure wrote

(photo I took of David Celli, Kelly Neel, Ben McLaughlin and Elan Firpo at his campaign kickoff)

"Our courts have our faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal.”- Atticus Finch

This quote is a true statement, our courts are not perfect, but depending on those we vote in, they can function in a more fair, equitable and community minded way. If elected, Ben McLaughlin will work to serve Humboldt communities by embodying these characteristics."

"Seemingly the entire country is worried about rising crime rates and living with the problems that those rising crime rates bring. There are varying and strong opinions as to what needs to be done about crime, how to combat it, how to prevent it, and how to lower the recidivism rate of those that are already in the system. These concerns are why it is so important to be informed and to vote! If you don’t vote your voice isn’t heard and the same issues we have as a society are perpetuated. Ben has worked as a prosecutor and as a public defender and will bring that knowledge and experience with him to the bench. Should he be elected, he will be an asset to the community as a judge with experience and insight into the judicial system through knowing what works and does not work and will be able to apply that experience and knowledge for the betterment of our community. Vote for Ben McLaughlin for Superior Court judge!"

-Andrea McClure

Andrea McLure works as a legal secretary at the Public Defender's office. Of all the endorsements, the Ben McLaughlin campaign has shared this is the most well written and heartfelt. 

Yes, she works with him. Her endorsement is for her candidate and it isn't negative towards Ben's opponent, Deputy District Attorney Steven Steward. This is how people should promote their chosen candidate.

Legal assistants, secretaries are the frontline and they play an important role not seen by the public. 

I have covered many of Ben's cases, spoken with him at length outside court and like many in Humboldt Superior Court, I know the man; not just the attorney. Ben has put Humboldt in the state and national spotlight with many firsts such as the Maggie Wortman, David Anderson and Kayla Brown cases.

Ben is a very caring man and and an attorney who feels deeply about cases and doesn't shy away from prosecuting or defending controversial clients. As a Judge, that is important in high profile cases.

What is remarkable about this endorsement is that Mr. Steward also has experience as a defense attorney and prosecutor. They are both decent men. While most of this endorsement could also apply to Mr. Steward, voters should meet each candidate and get to know them beyond endorsements and letters  to the editor and decide who you want to vote for. Unlike Supervisors and City Council members, with the two local candidates for Humboldt Superior Court Judge,you won't find canned responses. You will get to see  real human beings who care about the community and the dignity of the robe.