Testimonials

"I know of no one more qualified to be a circuit judge than Michael. He has the integrity, temperament, intelligence and ethics second to none. He will be the perfect jurist to carry on the traditions established by Judge Thomas Steptoe."

"Anyone who pays attention to the legal scene in the Eastern Panhandle knows that the name Michael Lorensen is held in the highest regard. As someone who deals with public safety issues on a daily basis, I am particularly careful in selecting a judicial candidate to support. Michael Lorensen has my confidence and he should have yours!"

"Having known the Lorensen family for many years, I know that Mike doesn't just practice law, he lives for it. His passion for his life's work and his commitment to serving others makes him the best candidate for Circuit Judge. I place my trust in Mike. He has my vote."

"We have known Mike Lorensen for more than 10 years as a client, fellow parishioner and as a friend. It is an honor to support his candidacy. Mike is compassionate, insightful and intelligent with a selfless commitment to public service. His experience and common sense along with his altruistic beliefs make him the best choice for Circuit Judge."

"Working on Mike Lorensen's campaign for circuit judge is an honor. He is an intelligent, fair and caring individual whose life work is dedicated to helping others in times of crisis. Mike is the person that I would trust to be sitting on the judge's bench for the next eight years."

"Mike is a humble man of integrity and intelligence committed to fairness and justice.  He would offer calm dignity and thoughtfulness to every client who would come before him in the court of law...exactly the temperament and intellect we all want and deserve.  Mike would treat a king and a pauper with equal respect.

It is difficult to "run" for judge-although the system forces one to declare a political party, one must remain neutral and not express one's personal views and values, so it is difficult for voters to be able to assess one's character.  Mike is running as a Democrat.  He respects the rule of law and understands human nature and the realities people face every day.

Mike has been immersed in justice and the law all of his life; perhaps that is why he is so genuine and low-keyed.

Mike keeps a low profile, which is refreshing in an attorney.  His quiet wit and humor compliments his well-known extrovert wife, Maria, editor of The Journal, and his teenaged son and daughter.

I hope you vote LORENSEN. Judge.  Trusted. Dedicated. Experienced.

"Dear Friends:

As you likely know, next Tuesday marks the primary elections for our state.  A good friend and former colleague of mine is running for circuit judge.  You have likely seen his signs.  Some of you may have seen his commercial on local television.  His name is Mike Lorensen.  Although he is far too modest to ask me to make a public endorsement of him, I write this email to ask you to consider him when you vote.

I first met Mike when I started at Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love LLP nearly eight years ago.   For those that have not heard of Bowles Rice, it is one of the largest and best law firms in the State of West Virginia, and Mike is one of its partners.  Immediately upon starting work there, I realized that Mike is what we refer to as a “natural-born lawyer.”  He loves not just practicing law, but the actual application of the letter of the law like no one else I have ever met.  If there ever is a question about an obscure law, Mike somehow knows the answer.  For me, I relied upon him heavily for guidance during the five years I worked with him and still do to this day.  His knowledge of the law suits him perfectly to be our circuit judge.

Mike is also a tireless worker – another trait that will be crucial as a circuit judge.  At Bowles Rice, few if any could outwork him.  I still recall one time that he and I were in the midst of a trial together, and I arrived at the office at 4:00 a.m. to get an early start on preparation for an argument I was going to have to make later that day.  When I arrived, I found Mike already there, having started witness preparation for the same trial.  To me, it was always clear that, whatever Mike asked from those around him, he expected no less and delivered more from himself.  Considering the heavy caseload that Mike will face as a circuit judge, this great work ethic will serve him, along with the rest of us, well.

In closing, I hate to see Bowles Rice and the local bar lose a great lawyer like Mike to the bench.  But, knowing him as I do both professionally and personally, Mike will make a great judge.  If you don't want to take just my word for it, note that the West Virginia State Bar conducted a survey of the potential candidates for circuit judge.  Mike finished first amongst all candidates.  I have attached a copy of the survey results for your review.  I hope you will consider him next week when you vote.

- Chris Luttrell