They will give you advice, write a reference letter, or be a reference on the phone.

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Holmes was described as taking "an active role in his education, and brings a great amount of intellectual and emotional maturity into the classroom, " according to a letter of reference that appeared to be from one of his former professors.

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The subcommittee considered the relevance of the reference to GOPAC in Mr. Gingrich's first letter to the committee, the October 4 letter.

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"While the Chamber applauds extension of AMT relief, it strongly opposes raising taxes to fund relief from a tax that was never intended as a revenue raiser, " the business group's top lobbyist, Bruce Josten, said in a letter sent to member of the House of Representatives Wednesday, in reference to the bill that would temporarily curb the tax.

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Would sending a letter like this simply spur antagonistic feelings that would lead them to provide an unfavorable reference?

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