Final answer:
The best synonym for 'politic' in the given context is 'sagacious', reflecting wisdom and prudence in political and practical matters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The synonym for 'politic' as used in the context of Ashley being an excellent lawyer and negotiator refers to being sagacious, which means having good judgment, especially in practical affairs. Politic can imply shrewdness, wisdom, or prudence in handling political negotiations and situations. Given the options, the best synonym is sagacious (1), as it captures the essence of being wise and prudent in a political sense. While cunning (option 2) could be seen as related, it often connotes a degree of deceit or trickery, which may not be an accurate reflection of 'politic'. Intelligence (option 3) is broader and doesn't specifically focus on political or practical wisdom, and friendly (option 4) is not closely related to the concept of being politically prudent or tactful.