Morgan Griffith

Howard Morgan Griffith (born March 15, 1958) is an American politician who has been the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 9th congressional district since 2011. The district covers a large swath of southwestern Virginia, including the New River Valley and the Virginia side of the Tri-Cities. He is a member of the Republican Party and the Freedom Caucus.

Morgan Griffith
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 9th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2011
Preceded by	Rick Boucher
Majority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates
In office January 12, 2000 – December 5, 2010
Preceded by	Richard Cranwell
Succeeded by	Kirk Cox
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 8th district
In office January 12, 1994 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by	G. Steven Agee
Succeeded by	Greg Habeeb
Personal details
Born	Howard Morgan Griffith March 15, 1958 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Hilary Davis
Children	3
Education	Emory and Henry College (BA) Washington and Lee University (JD)
Website	House website

He was the majority leader of the Virginia House of Delegates and represented the 8th District, serving from 1994 until 2011. The district included all of Salem, Virginia and parts of Roanoke County.[1]

Early life, education, and career

Griffith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but his family moved to Salem, Virginia while he was a baby. He attended Andrew Lewis High School, graduating in 1976. He attended Emory and Henry College, graduating in 1980. Griffith completed his education with a J.D. from the Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1983.[2]

After law school, Griffith settled in Salem where he worked as a private attorney with a focus on traffic violations and DUI. On June 23, 2008, Albo & Oblon LLP, a law firm run by fellow Republican delegate Dave Albo, announced that Griffith was joining the firm as head of its new Roanoke/Salem office.[3]

Early political career

Griffith first became seriously involved in politics in 1986, when he was chosen as the chairman of the Salem Republican Party. He held that position from 1986 to 1988 and from 1991 to 1994.

Virginia House of Delegates

In 1993, Griffith was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, defeating Democrat Howard C. Packett. He served as the Vice-Chairman of the Rules Committee in the House of Delegates. He served on the Courts of Justice Committee, and was the chairman of its Criminal Law Subcommittee. He also served on the Commerce and Labor and the Militia, Police, and Public Safety Committees.[4] He was elected House Majority Leader in 2000 and was the first Republican to hold that position in Virginia's history.[5]

U.S. House of Representatives

2010

Griffith was the Republican nominee to face longtime U.S. Congressman Rick Boucher, who was first elected in 1982. His home in Salem was just outside the 9th's borders at the time; it was in the 6th District of fellow Republican Bob Goodlatte.

Griffith jumped into the race after Boucher voted for the cap and trade bill. Boucher made much of the fact that Griffith didn't live in the district. In turn, Griffith branded Boucher as a rubber stamp for Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi. Griffith narrowly won the election.[6]

2012

Griffith defeated Democratic nominee Anthony Flaccavento 61.3 percent to 38.6 percent.[7]

2016

Griffith defeated Democrat Derek Kitts and Independent Janice Boyd with 68.59% of the vote.

2018

In 2018, Griffith faces two Democratic opponents, Anthony Flaccavento and Justin Santopietro, and a Whig opponent, Scott Blankenship.[8]

2020

Griffith ran unopposed for reelection in 2020. He was reelected with 94.39% of the vote.

Committee assignments

• Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • Subcommittee on Energy and Power
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

Caucus memberships

• Congressional Constitution Caucus[9]
• Congressional Western Caucus[10]
• Veterinary Medicine Caucus[11]
• Freedom Caucus[12]
• Liberty Caucus[13]
• Friends of Wales Caucus

Electoral history

Virginia House of Delegates, District 8: Results 1995 to 2009[14]

Year		Republican	Votes	Pct		Democratic	Votes	Pct		Third Party	Party	Votes	Pct
1995		Morgan Griffith	14,052	100%		no candidate				Write-ins		35	0%
1997		Morgan Griffith	15,383	100%		no candidate				Write-ins		12	0%
1999		Morgan Griffith	11,066	100%		no candidate				Write-ins		19	0%
2001		Morgan Griffith	17,401	70%		D. Martin	7,581	30%
2003		Morgan Griffith	10,860	59%		M Q Emick Sr.	7,469	41%
2005		Morgan Griffith	20,484	98%		no candidate				Write-ins		417	2%
2007		Morgan Griffith	13,670	96%		no candidate				Write-ins		563	4%
2009		Morgan Griffith	16,790	69%		E. Carter Turner III	7,563	31%

Virginia's 9th congressional district

Year		Republican	Votes	Pct		Democratic	Votes	Pct		Third Party	Party	Votes	Pct
2010		Morgan Griffith	95,726	51.2%		Rick Boucher	86,743	46.4%		Jeremiah Heaton	Independent	4,282	2.3%
2012		Morgan Griffith	184,882	61.28%		Anthony Flaccavento	116,400	38.58%		Write-ins		376	0.12%
2014		Morgan Griffith	117,465	72.15%		no candidate				William Carr	Independent	39,412	24.21%
2016		Morgan Griffith	212,838	68.6%		Derek Kitts	87,877	28.3%		Janice Allen Boyd	Independent	9,050	2.9%
2018		Morgan Griffith	160,933	65.2%		Anthony Flaccavento	85,833	34.8%		Write-ins		214	0.1%
2020		Morgan Griffith	271,851	94.0%		no candidate				Write-ins		17,423	6.0%

Political positions

Immigration

Griffith has voted to allow the Commonwealth of Virginia to enforce federal immigration laws to criminalize knowingly employing illegal immigrants or undocumented workers,[15] and also voted to criminalize possession of firearms by illegal aliens.[16]

Gay rights

While serving in the Virginia House of Delegates, Griffith supported a constitutional amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage by defining marriage as between one man and one woman.[17] He voted in favor of a motion to effectively kill a bill to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for government employees in Virginia.[18]

Environment

In 2017, Griffith voted to nullify the Stream Protection Rule, which included improvements in the protection of water supplies, water quality, streams, fish and other wildlife that have the potential to be negatively affected by surface coal mining.[19] That same year, Griffith joined other members of the House of Representatives in passing an amendment to H.R. 3354, which undermined the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to enforce environmental standards in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which covers six states and the District of Columbia.[20][21]

Griffith is a proponent of "an 'all of the above' energy strategy" that utilizes both fossil fuel and renewable energy sources.[22] In 2011, Griffith joined other GOP members in urging Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to reconsider the ban on offshore drilling off Virginia's coast.[23]

Gun rights

Griffith voted in favor of several bills to reduce restrictions on gun ownership, including a bill to allow concealed weapons in vehicles without a permit[24] and to allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry their firearms in restaurants and bars.[25] Griffith also voted to prohibit consumption of alcohol while in possession of a concealed weapon.[26] In 2004 Griffith voted to prohibit carrying firearms or ammunition in the non-secure areas of airport terminals, including baggage claim areas.[27][28]

Health care

Early in 2010, Griffith voted in favor of a bill to prohibit any individual mandate to purchase health insurance.[29] This law passed Virginia's legislature before the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was enacted, which Virginia has used to challenge the individual mandate in federal court.[30] However, on July 17, 2013 Griffith was the lone GOP member of the House to vote against delaying the implementation of the individual mandate.[31]

Just prior to the United States federal government shutdown of 2013, Griffith issued press release in which he endorsed the final House version of Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014, which would have continued funding for federal government operations while delaying implementation of the Affordable Care Act.[32] Griffith voted against the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, the Senate-proposed compromise that ended the shutdown without defunding the Affordable Care Act.[33]

Death penalty

Griffith has voted consistently for expansions of the death penalty to include eligibility for accomplices to a murder, as well as for those who murder a judge or a witness.[34][35][36]

Abortion

When surveyed in 1999 on his political positions by Project Vote Smart, Griffith indicated that he supports legalized abortion in the first trimester and to save the life of the mother,[37] while favoring the restriction of abortion through parental notification laws and prohibition of partial-birth abortion. Griffith's voting record has generally been consistent with his 1999 survey, voting in favor of restrictions such as parental-notification and parental-consent, restricting state funding of abortions,[38] and requiring abortion clinics to meet the same licensing requirements as surgical centers. In 2006 Griffith voted to restrict state funding for fetal stem cell research.[39]

In 2007 Griffith voted against [40] a bill in the Virginia General Assembly, HB 2797, which stated: "That life begins at the moment of fertilization and the right to enjoyment of life guaranteed by Article 1, § 1 of the Constitution of Virginia is vested in each born and preborn human being from the moment of fertilization"[41]

Griffith's 2010 campaign website reported that Griffith has a "100% pro-life" voting record and an "A" rating from the Virginia Society for Human Life (VSHL). However, VSHL's report on 2007 legislation in Virginia omits reference to HB 2797[42] Project Vote Smart indicated that Griffith declined to take their survey again in 2010.[37]

Taxes and spending

Griffith supports raising the retirement age and reducing the number of American troops serving overseas as means of reducing the federal budget deficit.[43] Most recently, Griffith voted in favor of the November 2017 tax plan.[44]

Medical marijuana

In 2014, Griffith introduced legislation to move marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II narcotic, which would effectively make the drug legal for medical purposes under federal law.[45]

Texas v. Pennsylvania

In December 2020, Griffith was one of 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives who signed an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election, in which Joe Biden prevailed[46] over incumbent Donald Trump. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case on the basis that Texas lacked standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge the results of the election held by another state.[47][48][49]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement that called signing the amicus brief an act of "election subversion." Additionally, Pelosi reprimanded Griffith and the other House members who supported the lawsuit: "The 126 Republican Members that signed onto this lawsuit brought dishonor to the House. Instead of upholding their oath to support and defend the Constitution, they chose to subvert the Constitution and undermine public trust in our sacred democratic institutions."[50][51] New Jersey Representative Bill Pascrell, citing section three of the 14th Amendment, called for Pelosi to not seat Griffith and the other Republicans who signed the brief supporting the suit. Pascrell argued that "the text of the 14th Amendment expressly forbids Members of Congress from engaging in rebellion against the United States. Trying to overturn a democratic election and install a dictator seems like a pretty clear example of that."[52] On January 6, 2021 Congressman Griffith was one of the 147 Republican members of the U.S. Congress that objected to certifying the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.

Personal life

Griffith is married to the former Hilary Davis. The couple has three children. He is Episcopalian.[53] In 2014 he founded the Friends of Wales Caucus as a result of his Welsh heritage.[48]

On July 14, 2020, Griffith tested positive for COVID-19.[54]

References

1. Giroux, Greg (2010-02-23). "Griffith Touts Support For Bid Against Boucher – The Eye (CQ Politics)". Blogs.cqpolitics.com. Archived from the original on 2010-03-02. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
2. Zanona, Melanie (November 6, 2010). "112th Congress: Morgan Griffith, R-Va. (9th District)". Congressional Quarterly.
3. "H. Morgan Griffith to join Albo & Oblon LLP". MarketWatch, Inc. 2008-06-23. Retrieved 2008-08-15.
4. "Virginia House of Delegates: Session 2002: Griffith, H. Morgan". Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
5. "About the Congressman". Archived from the original on 2011-12-27. Retrieved 2012-02-03.
6. "GOP's Griffith ousts 14-term Va. Democratic Rep. Boucher". The Virginian-Pilot. Associated Press. November 2, 2010.
7. Archer, Bill (6 November 2012). "Griffith re-elected in Va.'s 'Fightin' Ninth'". Bluefield Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
8. "Virginia Whigs Endorse Blankenship for Congress". Virginia Modern Whig Party. February 13, 2018.
9. "Members". Congressional Constitution Caucus. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
10. "Members". Congressional Western Caucus. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
11. "Members of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus". Veterinary Medicine Caucus. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
12. "Boehner-vs.-Freedom-Caucus Battle Escalates"
13. "Griffith Inducted Into House Liberty Caucus".
14. Election Results Archived 2010-06-17 at the Wayback Machine Virginia State Board of Elections
15. Project Vote Smart
16. Virginia State Legislature archives
17. Project Vote Smart website
18. SB 66 – Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment – Voting Record
19. Bill, Johnson (2017-02-16). "H.J.Res.38 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior known as the Stream Protection Rule". www.congress.gov. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
20. Bob, Goodlatte (2017-09-07). "H.Amdt.354 to H.R.3354 - 115th Congress (2017-2018)". www.congress.gov. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
21. "Spotlight on FERC". POLITICO. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
22. "Energy and Environment | Congressman Morgan Griffith". morgangriffith.house.gov. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
23. "Interior secretary urged to reconsider offshore drilling ban for Virginia". U.S. House of Representatives. 2011-11-17. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
24. Project Vote Smart
25. Project Vote Smart
26. Project Vote Smart
27. www.roanoke.com Archived 2012-09-13 at Archive.today
28. Virginia State Legislature archives
29. Project Vote Smart
30. www.healthleadersmedia.com
31. U.S. News & World Report: "House votes to postpone individual mandate"
32. "Griffith Statement on Latest House Efforts to Keep the Government Open"
33. Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives: Final Vote Results for Roll Call 550
34. Project Vote Smart
35. Project Vote Smart
36. Project Vote Smart
37. Project Vote Smart
38. Project Vote Smart
39. Project Vote Smart
40. Virginia State Legislature archives
41. Virginia State Legislature archives
42. www.12cups.org Archived 2011-07-24 at the Wayback Machine
43. Melissa Hipolit (14 July 2011). "Local congressmen react to debt talks". TriCities.com. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
44. K.K. REBECCA LAI (16 November 2017). "How Every Member Voted on the House Tax Bill". New York Times. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
45. Jackman, Tom (30 April 2014). "Va. Rep. Griffith introduces federal 'Legitimate Use of Medicinal Marijuana Act'". Washington Post. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
46. Blood, Michael R.; Riccardi, Nicholas (December 5, 2020). "Biden officially secures enough electors to become president". AP News. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
47. Liptak, Adam (2020-12-11). "Supreme Court Rejects Texas Suit Seeking to Subvert Election". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
48. "Order in Pending Case" (PDF). Supreme Court of the United States. 2020-12-11. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
49. Diaz, Daniella. "Brief from 126 Republicans supporting Texas lawsuit in Supreme Court". CNN. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
50. Smith, David (2020-12-12). "Supreme court rejects Trump-backed Texas lawsuit aiming to overturn election results". The Guardian. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
51. "Pelosi Statement on Supreme Court Rejecting GOP Election Sabotage Lawsuit" (Press release). Speaker Nancy Pelosi. December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
52. Williams, Jordan (2020-12-11). "Democrat asks Pelosi to refuse to seat lawmakers supporting Trump's election challenges". TheHill. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
54. https://twitter.com/RepMGriffith/status/1283070778351788034

External links

• Congressman Morgan Griffith official U.S. House website
• Morgan Griffith for Congress
• Morgan Griffith at Curlie
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Profile at Vote Smart
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
• H. Morgan Griffith at The Virginia Public Access Project
• Albo & Oblon L.L.P.