| Minnesota State-Wide Race |
| Why do you think your dad would be a good judge? |
| Marco - age 13: He’s fair, truthful and has high standards. He knows the law well. He cares about people so he’s good with them, a good listener. Peter - age 10: Dad’s a good man with a good heart. He’s cool and he sticks by his word. Joey - age 9: He’ll do what’s right for our state because he’s a Christian. David - age 6: He’s smart. He has wisdom. |
| Why do you think your husband would be a good judge? |
| Debbie - age 41: I agree with the boys. Because of my husband’s heart and head he will make a good judge. I have supported and encouraged Dan through two appellate court races for judge and will again do the same in 2008 because I wholeheartedly believe in why Dan is running. Time, money, critics, opposition and the vastness of running a statewide race make running a challenge. But knowing courage isn’t the absence of fear but the going forward despite it…I run with Dan. When you run for others, for something greater than yourself, you find the strength and grace from God to do it. Thank you for the very many of you who are coming alongside of us because you also believe and care. |
| The Griffith boys: Joey, Marco. David and Peter |
| Family One of the best decisions I ever made was marrying my wife Debbie in 1991. We are blessed with four sons who are very active in a variety of activities which we hope not only develops their physical strength but strength of character. If I didn’t already know this, my 14 years working with Children in Need of Protection Services (CHIPS) convinces me that the most important institution is the family. Children need stability. We should reward those who invest their time, energy and talent into raising children. Education I love reading and especially reading history. Therefore, majoring in history was an easy call. I started my education in my hometown of International Falls, MN graduating from Falls High School in 1980 and then later the local community college (Rainy River Community College). I took two years off from school to work and serve as a |
| Senate Page for two complete sessions. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota (1988) with a double concentration in History and a minor in South Asian Studies. I was fortunate to find a job with the Department of Human Services after college and worked there while attending law school at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, MN. I was admitted to the bar in May 1993 and reported for Basic Combat Training in June 1993 at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. I thought learning Russian was a good idea and learning it through the military was the best way to do it. Therefore, after Basic Training I attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. I thought large companies would be interested in expanding in that area of the world after it opened up and being able to speak the language would make me more employable. I am proud of having served in the army. Work Experience Presently I have my own private law practice, Griffith Law Office, and enjoy practicing in International Falls, MN. Prior to that I was Assistant City Attorney for 2 years and worked as an Assistant County Attorney by appointment for 5 years. I also work as Court Appointed Counsel and have for the last 14 years. I have had the honor to serve on the Judicare Panels for Northeast and Northwest Minnesota for 14 and 5 years respectfully. In addition, I have worked as a Guardian Ad Litem for 8 years. Finally I served as an Adjunct Professor at our local community college teaching Criminal Justice, International Relations, Political Science and Business Law. Professional * Awarded The 2008 Advocacy Achievement Award presented by Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota in recognition of outstanding legal work - making a difference to the disadvantaged * Past President of the Koochiching County Bar Association * Minnesota State Bar Association * Bois Forte Tribal Court Bar, Minnesota Supreme Court Bar * Federal District Court Bar * Federal Court of Appeals Bar * Children’s Justice Initiative. Community Involvement * Red Cross Volunteer & Board Member * KBHW Radio Board Member * Children’s Justice Initiative * Covenant Church Member and Deacon * Friends Against Abuse Board Member * Life Care Center Board Member * American Legion Member * 4-H Volunteer * Elementary Football Coach * Elementary Basketball coach * T-ball Coach * Wrestling organizer and part-time coach. Personal Hobbies and Interests I enjoy well made things and like antiques as they usually fall into that category. That old adage, “They don't make things like they used to,” is true. I enjoy traveling, reading, history, biking, hiking and hunting and fishing which makes living in International Falls a good place to be. My favorite sport is wrestling (high school and college wrestling) so it’s fun that two of our boys are wrestlers. I am also thinking about resurrecting my interest in motorcycles. A motorcycle was my only transportation when I first moved to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and with the soaring gas prices I am now on the scout for a good gas saver. |
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| About Dan... |
