A note from a friend…

Received this today. Was good to hear:

The ink is still drying on results. This is definitely not the outcome we all wanted, that you wanted and
deserved, or that our great country deserves. However, I feel obligated, rather compelled to share a few
thoughts regarding your pursuit of justice for all patriots of this great nation.

I am not left pondering what could have been. Instead, I feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment
for you as a leader, a man, a husband, and a father. The word courage keeps coming to mind-the courage
you showed to stand up and be counted. Forget the timid souls who want change but are unwilling to
sacrifice the time, effort, and energy required to put their own names on a ballot. What you and your team
did takes real courage, regardless of the result.

Your dream of an America where truth is the ultimate pursuit is an inspiration to me. As your friend, I do
not view this outcome with bitter or sour thoughts. On the contrary, I believe this is a defining milestone in
your and Puja’s lives, and it may well become your finest hour. The gift moving forward is focus: focus on
your practice and the clients who adore you, focus on your family who love you, and focus on mentoring
the young attorneys who look up and depend on you.

Thank you for demonstrating the true meaning of “leaving it all out on the field”. Nothing gives me more
pride than sharing what you accomplished with people who might not fully understand the weight of your
campaign. You are a hero, you are my hero, and I thank you for your sacrifice, for your service.

The spirit and soul you poured into being judged by a jury of voters is something to be celebrated. Nothing
good ever comes easy, and what you exemplified throughout this process defines the very fibers of
strength and leadership. You are cut from a different cloth, Monsieur Troutman. You are a man of true
character and integrity, and I am deeply honored to call you a friend.