Griffith

"I've tried to be as careful as I can," Griffith continued.

Hatch is tossing Griffith some softballs and helping him along.

Griffith says, "I care too much about my clients to do anything that would put them at risk. If I thought my client -- and now my client is Brigham Young University -- would be jeopardized, I wouldn't do it."

Hatch then says that Randy Dryer, one of the past presidents of the Utah bar, is present at today's hearing and supports Griffith's nomination.

Hatch: "I've been here during all those years you were Senate legal counsel, and some of those years were difficult years." Hatch then referred to the Clinton impeachment trial. "I happen to know that both sides thought you acted honorably and professionally during that very difficult time for all of us. My experience with you has been that you are a person of the highest moral, ethical and legal status. So naturally, not just because of our friendship, I would support you for any court in this land. I think you would add a great dimension to the circuit court of appeals for the District of Columbia."

Hatch: "As far as I'm concerned you are a member of this Senate family and you deserve to be confirmed. So I will do everything in my power to see that you are."

Griffith said he was "very pleased at long last" to be able to explain the lapse in his bar dues.

Hatch pointed out a large number of letters of support for Griffith.