Wnited States Senate WASHINGTON, DC 20810 November 21, 2018 ‘The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States ‘The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, We are pleased to recommend U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert S, Ballou and Virginia Circuit Court Judge John C. Kilgore for the vacancy in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Roanoke Division following Judge Glen E. Conrad’s decision to take senior status in December. Both would serve with great distinction and have our highest recommendation. Judge Ballou has served as a Federal Magistrate Judge in the District since 2011. Prior to joining the bench, he spent twenty-three years in private practice and became well-acquainted with federal court practice, generally, and the Western District, specifically. He tried fifty cases before juries over that period of time. On the bench, he has overseen a wide variety of federal civil and criminal matters, conducted dozens of misdemeanor criminal trials and several civil jury trials. He has also dedicated time and attention to an innovative Veterans Court program and taken responsibility for the prisoner pro se docket, Together, these experiences qualify Judge Ballou for this nomination and we are honored to recommend him. Judge Kilgore has served in the Virginia Judiciary since 2003 where he has presided over a varied docket that includes misdemeanor appeals, landlord/tenant disputes, corporate litigation, and seven capital murder trials. During that time, he also helped establish the 30th Circuit Adult Drug Treatment Court in 2011. Before joining the bench, he served as Scott County Commonwealth's Attomey and helped establish the 30" District Juvenile Drug Treatment Court and provided pro bono services. While in private practice, Judge Kilgore appeared in court daily. Lawyers who have appeared before Judge Kilgore praised him for his legal acumen and judicial temperament. Our advisory panel reflected similar views, and we agree that Judge Kilgore would make an excellent nominee for this seat. Ultimately, we believe either of these individuals would win confirmation from the Senate and serve capably on the bench. We are honored to recommend them to you. Sincerely, Mob. ® Mme, ive je Mark R. Warner Tim Kaine United States Senator United States Senator