After the election, I invited Mike out to lunch. We shook hands and parted as friends. Years later I noted that Mike was a member of the New York State Defenders Association throughout his entire professional career even after he ceased being a defense lawyer. I asked him about that and he said that he needed to stay informed. I never stopped being a defense lawyer.
Defense lawyers are the real patriots.
Mike was bright, a very good listener and had a terrific, quick yet at times acerbic, Irish wit. He respected people, worked tirelessly for us in a public service career of over 30 years and he will be sorely missed. I never had a more honorable opponent. Lawyers should also be requesting written or oral reasoning for judicial rulings.