Congressman Hansen Clarke Lives and Breathes Public Service

Congressman Hansen Clarke maybe a new addition to the United States House of Representatives, but he is not new to politics.  Clarke served as a Representative in the Michigan House for more than ten years and as a state senator for another ten plus years.  To win a seat in the U.S. House, Clarke defeated the seven term incumbent Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick during the Democratic primary in Michigan’s 13th congressional district in August 2010.  In the general election he easily defeated Republican John Hauler.

The first term Congressman sits on the Homeland Security and Science, Space and Technology committees. “Serving on the Homeland Security Committee will give me the opportunity to ensure the safety and security of the region, create opportunities for new businesses and jobs in our community, and to make sure our first responders get the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Clarke said.  Regarding the Science, Space and Technology committee, Clarke Stated, “serving on the Science Committee will allow me to help individuals and businesses be more competitive in the 21st century economy.”

Hansen was also elected by congressional peers to serve as Vice President of the 112th Congress’ freshman class.  He is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus.

Popularly known as the first Congressman of Bangladeshi decent, Hansen was born to an African American mother and Bangladeshi father.  His father passed away when he was only eight years old.  Though he left Clarke’s life early, the Congressman strongly identifies with his father’s culture.

A talented artist who graduated from Cornell University with a degree in painting, Clarke became interested in public service while serving on Cornell’s Board of Trustees.  While a trustee, he worked to ensure that Cornell provided financial aid to students whose families needed assistance.  After Cornell, Clarke enrolled at Georgetown Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree.

A former Congressional Chief of Staff, Hansen’s work ethic precedes him.  An ethics watch dog group recently announced that it would ask the Office of Congressional Ethics to crack down on congressional members, mainly 40 to 50 of them, for sleeping in House offices rather than paying for a place to live.  Directly responding to the initiative, Clarke appeared on the today in what appeared to be sleeping attire stating, “I did this so I could be the best member of Congress,” he said. “So I could spend all my time working.” Going on to say, “It gives me more time to work, and will keep me focused on working.”

Britton Loftin is a Political Strategist and Director of a Legislative & Government Affairs firm.

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