To the editor:

Martha Coakley hit the ground running in the debate and elevated the discussion proving she is a worthy successor to the late Senator Kennedy. Martha clearly demonstrated her concerns for all of the people in the commonwealth by her thoughtful responses to a range of questions from foreign policy to the economy, health care and immigration.

I support Martha Coakley as I have seen firsthand her thorough investigations of the most heinous criminal allegations as Middlesex district attorney and attorney general. As a criminal defense attorney, I observed Martha's careful investigations of individuals alleged to have committed child sexual abuse. While I have not always agreed with her decision to prosecute, Martha has my deepest respect for her unflinching advocacy on behalf of all of the commonwealth's citizens. I have always known Martha to be judicious in her role as a prosecutor. It is my belief, that Martha has never betrayed the trust and inherent power of her elected positions.

As a former naval officer who was stationed in Asia and Europe, the debate demonstrated Martha's understanding of and respect for America's critical role as the world's leader. She will not endanger American service-members unless the mission is clear and the fight is unavoidable. Frankly, Martha gets it.

Martha Coakley has the character and wisdom developed by her experiences and demonstrated in her 56 years to be a truly outstanding future senator from Massachusetts.

Wimberley Burton

Haverhill