Steven Voigt’s Quest to Renew America

“For individuals interested in politics and public policy, there are two kinds of people: those in it for themselves, and others who have a bit of fire in their belly for their communities.”

Those are the words of Steven Voigt, of counsel at Reed Smith in Philadelphia. He counts himself among the latter. As he does Alan Keyes.

“I’ve got to tell you, I really like him,” Voigt says of the perennial presidential candidate of the far right. Which is why he served as chief of staff to the “We Need Alan Keyes for President” draft movement last spring as well as legal counsel and chief policy adviser to Keyes’ RenewAmerica grass-roots political organization. “My prayerful hope is for more statesmen like him who stand strong for family values and who will fight for American jobs.”

Voigt, whose portfolio at the firm includes contract and securities litigation, fraud and asset recovery, insurance recovery litigation and products liability, humbly says his political interests are just a hobby. But as hobbies go, it’s some output.

He has authored three books and a slew of articles on conservative thought. (The title of one paper: “The United States Must Remain Steadfastly Opposed to the Rome Treaty International Criminal Court.”) And he speaks regularly on college campuses, with recent gigs at the State University of New York and Ohio’s Bowling Green State University. American exceptionalism is a favorite theme.

“I think many of our domestic problems could be fixed by a resurgence in American pride and patriotism,” he says.

His name is starting to pop up as a potential candidate, but as a newlywed and busy attorney, don’t look for lawn signs soon.

“I want to continue to learn how to be a good lawyer and develop my skills and develop my practice,” he says. “And be a good husband.”

But maybe someday. “[Elected office] is definitely within the realm of possibility,” he says.

One thing is for certain: when the timing is right, Voigt will be ready. And he’ll bring the fire.