Dear John:

I don't usually write you. In fact, I haven't ever written to you at all.

Retired English teacher notwithstanding, I don't do much "public" stuff, even emails.

But today is different and special — it's Denny's birthday. And I'm kind of proud of him.

I'm proud of the husband and father and grandfather he is.

And I'm also proud of the kind of public servant he is. In fact, I can't help thinking that he's exactly the kind of elected official that times like these call for.

In the midst of all the negative campaigning and personal attacks, Denny consistently calls on our better angels. He takes the high road and urges us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves – to treat one another with all the respect that we would like to receive. He often reminds us that we really do have way more in common than we often allow ourselves to admit.

He doesn't believe intellectual combat (policy differences) and personal civility are mutually exclusive.

So, it's confession time: when Denny told me he wanted to run for Lieutenant Governor, I wasn't so sure. ("What happened to the plan to retire, honey?") But I've come to believe that it was the right decision – because he's absolutely the right person, at the right time.

I hope you do, too, and I hope that you will help him continue; the best gift anyone can give Denny is the chance to work to make life better for Washington state.

Paula Heck

P.S. Don't let Denny tell you he is 27.(He has that exactly sdrawkcab.)