Recently, a number of folks have written to tell us that Todd Platts is running for judge for all the wrong reasons. They say he wants a steady paycheck, or that he is only interested in adding to his sizable pensions (both state and federal).

Here's the thing: Todd could very easily have remained in Congress, drawing a healthy congressional salary and building an even larger pension. The reason he did not -- he made a commitment, an ethical commitment, to the people of his district to term limit himself. He also forswore taking any PAC money. He honored both commitments. If Platts was "in it for the money or the pension," he would still be in Congress, and even Scott Perry knows it.

I have no problem with folks seriously questioning who would be best qualified for judge. I also am no Platts enthusiast -- I disagreed with many of his positions, and voted against him a few times. But make no mistake, Todd Platts has served us honorably. He has followed his conscience and honored his commitments to us.

If you find someone else to be more qualified for judge, fine. But let's all agree to take a deep breath and stop disparaging candidates who have demonstrated repeatedly a level of integrity that is sorely lacking in our public affairs. Todd Platts deserves at least that much.