In my senior year of high school, we were assigned to write letters to a congressman about an issue, either thanking them for supporting an issue or asking them to change a position.

I wrote about an issue that was both personal and political that Senator Sherrod Brown has supported. I told him how this had been a part of my life and thanked him for his support.

I did not really expect a reply, and if I were to get one, I expected a form letter.

I was shocked when I received a very personal letter. He even directed me to resources that could help me and gave me a number to contact him if I were ever in trouble.

We do not vote for the best people to be politicians; we vote for the best politicians. However, I am convinced that Brown is both of those things.

His office is very responsive. I have sent emails on issues to my senators on multiple occasions. I usually got replies back from Brown’s office within one or two days. With Senator Rob Portman’s office, I would either receive no reply or it would take longer.

Brown is a strong supporter of Ohio students. Brown has voted to have $20 billion in federal aid taken from student loan companies. Most of this was redirected as aid money for students and college graduates or used to reduce the deficit. This bill also capped student loan repayments at 15 percent of discretionary income. He also introduced the Private Student Loan Debt Swap Act, which would allow for students to switch their private loans over to federal loans.

Brown also has supported many women’s issues. He voted for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which extends the time a woman can report instances of pay discrimination. He helped restore funding to Planned Parenthood.

Brown is a supporter of the LGBT community. He voted to allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve in the military in 1993 and then voted to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell” in 2010. He was one of 67 representatives that voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.

He also has plans for job growth. The Business Incubator Promotion Act, which he introduced, will help bring private investment to our country. In 2007, he introduced the Strengthening Economic Clusters to Organize Regional Success Act to help train workers for industries that have trouble finding qualified employees. He also created the Ohio Export Advisory Group to help Ohio manufacturers find new markets.

A senator’s job is to represent his state at a national level. When he can carry such a heavy burden and still find time to help a 17-year-old girl feel a little less alone in the world, you know that person is above the bar. I’m voting for Sherrod Brown, and I urge you to do so as well.