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I am writing on behalf of a group of Maine attorneys who collectively represent a broad spectrum of political views and legal philosophies and all of whom support Josh Dunlap as the nominee to serve on the First Circuit Court of Appeals. All these attorneys previously joined me in voicing our support for Dunlap in a joint letter to the chair and ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and we now reaffirm that support.  

Joining me in this letter are Melinda Caterine, Robert Stier, Patrick Strawbridge, Paul McDonald, Clifford Ruprecht, Jeana McCormick, Neal Pratt, Jared DesRosiers, and Kay Rand. Every one of us knows Josh well and has the utmost respect for him as an attorney and a colleague. We view Josh as having all the experience and personal qualities to serve in this highly important position with great distinction.  

We are confident that, as a First Circuit judge, Dunlap’s rulings will be well-considered and dispassionate, that he will treat all who come before him with dignity and respect, and that he will address all arguments fairly and on the merits.

We are aware that over the course of the Senate’s consideration of his nomination, some opposition has emerged. We have considered that opposition and, based on our own experiences with Josh, view it as either ill-informed or unfair. Our confidence in Josh’s nomination is undiminished.  

We appreciate the opportunity through this letter to share our respect for and confidence in Josh Dunlap to serve with the excellence that has long characterized the judges of the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

Timothy C. Woodcock
Bangor