Hansen Clarke
 | This biographical article is written like a résumé. |
Hansen Clarke | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Michigan Senate from the 1st district | |
| Assumed office 2003 | |
| Preceded by | Ray Murphy |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Profession | attorney |
Hansen Clarke (born March 2, 1957) is a politician from the U.S. state of Michigan and candidate for U.S. Representative in 2010. He is a Democratic member of the Michigan Senate, representing the 1st District since 2003. Previously he was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1991 through 1992, and from 1999 through 2002.[1][2]
Early life and education
Hansen Clarke was born in Detroit, Michigan to a Bangladeshi father[3] Mozaffar Ali Hashem and an African American mother, Thelma. He grew up in the city's lower east side. His father died when he was a child and his mother had to work as a crossing guard to try to make ends meet.
In third grade, Telma Clarke received a grant from the Detroit Institute of Arts to pay for his further education. He went on to high school at Cass Tech, and then was admitted to a prestigious east-coast prep school to complete his high school.[2]
Clarke studied at Cornell University, graduating with a degree in fine arts. While at the university, he became interested in politics. He was elected to the student seat on the Cornell University Board of Trustees and was a member of the Quill and Dagger society.
After his time at Cornell, Hansen Clarke decided to pursue a career in law. He was accepted into Georgetown Law School where he graduated in 1984 with a Juris Doctor.[2] He is married to Choi Palms-Cohen.
Career
Hansen Clarke worked as chief of staff to U.S. Representative John Conyers, as well as in Wayne County during the administration of Edward McNamara (politician).
Clarke was first elected to the Michigan State House of Representatives in 1990 and served one term before being defeated in the Democratic primary in 1992 by Joe Young Jr. In 1998 and 2000, Clarke was re-elected to the Michigan House.
Hansen Clarke was then elected to the Michigan Senate in 2002, defeating incumbent Senator Ray Murphy. After an unsuccessful mayoral bid in 2005, Senator Clarke was re-elected to his seat in the Senate in 2006. Since his re-election, Senator Clarke has made it his mission to cut auto insurance rates by 20%. In addition to introducing legislation, Senator Clarke has toured the state promoting insurance reform [4].
2010 Campaign for U.S. Congress
Senator Clarke is running in the Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick in Michigan's 13th District. The vote is Aug. 3.
Electoral history
- 2006 election for Michigan State Senate - Michigan 1st District
Name Percent Hansen Clarke (D) (inc.) 95.5% Cynthia Cassell (R) 4.5%
- 2006 election for Michigan State Senate - Michigan 1st District (Democratic primary)
Name Percent Hansen Clarke (inc.) 66.0% Lamar Lemmons, III 22.9% Martha Waters 11.1%
- 2002 election for Michigan State Senate - Michigan 1st District
Name Percent Hansen Clarke (D) 93.7% Cynthia Cassell (R) 6.3%%
- 2002 election for Michigan State Senate - Michigan 1st District (Democratic primary)
Name Percent Hansen Clarke 48.1% Raymond M. Murphy 33.1%% Ellen M. Logan 17.4%
References
- ^ Michigan Manual 2005-2006. Lansing, MI: Legislative Council, State of Michigan. 2006. p. 130. ISBN 1-878210-06-8. Retrieved 2007-03-09.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c "Michigan Senate Democrats: About Hansen Clarke". 2007. Retrieved 2007-03-09.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ :The Daily Star: Internet Edition
- ^ http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp?S=11772759
External links
- State Senator Hansen Clarke official government site
- Project Vote Smart - Senator Hansen Clarke (MI) profile
- Follow the Money - Hansen Clarke
- Michigan Bureau of Elections - Hansen Clarke (State Senate) campaign finance reports and data
- Michigan Bureau of Elections - Hansen Clarke (State House) campaign finance reports and data
- Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus
- Michigan Liberal - SD01
- Video of Senator Clarke's speech on home foreclosures