SMG

Steve (1975-1979)

Let's hope Steve and his family are dry and safe.

1. What does this past Kansas debater look like now?



2. What does this ex-debater now do for a living?

Steve is a law professor at Tulane University in New Orleans.

It beats working, I guess. (If that link doesn't work, try this).

3. Has this former debater been "in the news"?

In 2000, Steve told the Florida legislature that they could not simply appoint presidential electors that they liked. From the AP, December 11, 2000:

[Bruce] Ackerman [a Yale law professor], Griffin and [Kim Lane] Scheppele [of the University of Pennsylvania] are three of 37 constitutional lawyers who signed a letter to the Legislature expressing concern that the proposed appointment of electors by lawmakers was illegal. The letter, written by Griffin, said in part there is ``no lawful way'' to appoint electors after a certified election has been held.

He has also served Tulane as "Vice Dean." For those thinking prurient thoughts, I don't think that position is as sexy as it sounds.

4. What else do we know?

Steve isn't impressed with Republican federalism. Mobile Register, July 3, 2005:

[S]ome analysts see a widening disconnect with the GOP's traditional belief in restraints on Washington's authority.

"I think many people would have expected some relief once Republicans controlled all three branches of government, but that hasn't happened," said Stephen Griffin, a constitutional law professor at Tulane University in New Orleans. "If there is an important policy objective that they really care about, states' rights just doesn't deter them."

Slate quoted him on August 25, 2005, on the question of a "living constitution," which is relevant to the John Roberts confirmation.