Letter: Swanberg did his job in defending trooper’s killer

I was intimately involved in the murder investigation of Trooper James Saunders. I know Sam Swanberg was appointed by the court and did not choose to represent the defendant. I also know the case did not go to trial, but was resolved by a plea for a life sentence. I know that Sam never acted unethically in this case. He simply did his job when assigned to do so.

It’s been 17 years and I am still heartbroken by the senseless killing of my fellow officer, but I do not hold it against Sam that he fulfilled his professional responsibility to the Constitution and the court. Rather, I believe it speaks to his character that Sam fulfilled this necessary, but extremely unpopular role, when many could not.

We all have a role to play in our judicial system, some of which is not as pleasant as others. I want a judge who is willing to do the right thing and uphold the Constitution, regardless of the unfair scorn he may take for it. Sam has proven to me he will do this. This is why I continue to endorse Sam for Superior Court judge and ask that you join me in voting for him.

This story was originally published October 30, 2016 at 4:50 AM with the headline "Letter: Swanberg did his job in defending trooper’s killer."