Clara Hart for Senate

I'm a member of Wired Journalists

2009-02-04T19:58:00.001-08:00

Thank You!

2008-11-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for your support!

While the result isn't what I was hoping for, I wish Sen. Gene Abdallah the best of luck in his victory and congratulate him. He ran a good race and was gracious to me. I wish him nothing but good results for the people of District 10 while he works for us Pierre.

Also, thank you to everyone who volunteered, contributed, supported, and voted for me. I met so many wonderful people along the campaign trail. It is truly humbling to have so many people offer their assistance and kindness in this endeavor.

I look forward to helping empower people and serving my community. I hope you'll do the same. Each one of us makes a difference!

The Last Thing Left to Do Is Go Vote!

2008-11-03T20:31:00.001-08:00

I've canvassed, knocked on doors, dropped literature, and been to various candidate forums. I'm pretty much done now with my campaign for District 10 state senate.

It's now up to you.

Please, please, please go vote Election Day. Every vote is important. Your vote is as important as a rich person's, a powerful person's, or even the President's.

That is the miracle of our democracy.

I will be the state senator for all the citizens of District 10. My life has been about empowering people and bringing people together. I can do the same thing in Pierre.

It has been wonderful meeting so many of you in Brandon, Harrisburg, Sioux Falls, Worthing, Rowena, Valley Springs, and everywhere in between in District 10. I have encountered so much encouragement and kindness.

Thank you so much for your support.

Now, be part of South Dakota history and go vote your Hart!

Clara Hart's Answer to Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency at LWV Forum

2008-10-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

Facing the Voters at the LWV Forum

2008-10-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I had the opportunity to speak to about twenty people at the League of Women Voter's District 10 forum at Lincoln High School.

It was nice to be back at LHS, a place I am familiar with. My daughters went to school there and I work with students there in my role as the school district's immigration students coordinator.

I tried to offer positive solutions to the questions we were asked. I said I want to hold the line on spending and taxes. I want to do as much as we can for K-12 education. I want the state of be more proactive on alternative energy and energy efficiency. I want to be tough on crime.

I appreciate everyone who came to spend part of their Saturday morning trying to be a more informed voter!

Now, in the final week of the campaign, I will be spending most of my time going door to door in the Sioux Falls portion of District 10.

See you on the campaign trail!

Letter to the Editor Says Clara Will Change the Tone in Pierre

2008-10-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

My friend Todd Epp from Harrisburg wrote a very nice letter about my run for the state senate. It was in Wednesday's Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

Here's an excerpt:

Hart will listen to everyone in District 10. From the poorest to the wealthiest, to old-time residents and new arrivals, to Republicans, Democrats and independents, Hart understands the power of listening to all people.

Please help change the tone in Pierre and elect Clara Hart to the state Senate from District 10.

Thank you Todd! And don't forget to "Vote Your Hart" between now and election day!

Join Me 10 a.m. Saturday at Lincoln High for Forum

2008-10-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

I hope you will come to the League of Women Voter's candidate forum at 10 a.m. Saturday at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls.

I will be speaking and taking questions. All the candidates for District 10 and the other Sioux Falls area legislative districts will also be there.

It will be a rare chance to see me with my opponent so you can compare us side by side.

I look forward to seeing you at LHS!

Working the Phones

2008-10-06T21:02:00.001-07:00

I spent a big chunk of the evening calling voters in District 10, asking them if they wanted to vote absentee (you know, early voting). Oh, and to vote for Sen. Tim Johnson for U.S. Senate and for me for State Senate.

My daughter Johanna was there for much of the evening, as was my husband Jon. I talked to so many nice people! They were generous in their time to listen to me. And hopefully, I listened to them--and you--too!

We Need to Re-think Our Economy

2008-09-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

When I was going door to door in Harrisburg last Sunday, I came upon several homes that were in foreclosure.

This is an obvious tragedy for the families who have lost their homes--they've lost stability for their families.

It is also a wake-up call to those of us who serve or want to serve the public.

We must make sure we do all we can to encourage new industries such as wind energy and ethanol here in South Dakota. We need good jobs for the future that also pay dividends for our energy needs and our environment.

And we need good oversight over our corporate citizens. Most are good citizens that are part and parcel of their communities, provide good jobs, and do so much for the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our state.

But those that play fast and loose with the rules--particularly when it comes to impacting consumers and the environment--we need to make sure they do not get special favors or a state government that looks the other way.

In this economic crisis when so many people are hurting, there must be fairness for all--not just the big.

Read Clara's Responses to Argus Leader Questions

2008-09-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

Click here to read Clara's answer's to the Argus Leader's questions for District 10 State Senate candidates!

Coffee Time in Brandon!

2008-09-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, District 10 House candidate Bob Swanhort invited me to participate in his "coffee" at the Pizza Ranch in Brandon.

Bob and I spoke to about fifteen people, many of whom were Republicans.

We talked about transparent government, funding education, and the current financial crisis.

People in Brandon really seem ready for change at both the local and national levels.

And Bob and I plan to make that positive change possible for the people of District 10!

More Homes, More Dogs in Harrisburg

2008-09-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

I spent part of last Sunday knocking on doors in the Harrisburg neighborhood across the street from the Industrial Park.

Once again, House candidate Mary Ann Giebink, my husband Jon, Harrisburg resident Todd Epp canvassed with me, with Mary Ann's friend Donna also joining us.

It was a beautiful, sunny day, great to be out and about and meeting people.

My helper Todd said he made friends with lots of animals, including a St. Bernard named Thunder, two huskies, a cockapoo, and even a cat.

Todd tells me I have the dog vote sewed up in Harrisburg!

We'll be in the neighborhood west of the high school this coming Sunday.

I hope I have the chance to knock on your door!

Clara Hart Formally Announces Candidacy for State Senate!

2008-09-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASED September 15, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Clara Hart at 323.9417 or Todd Epp at 351.5021

CLARA HART ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR DISTRICT 10 STATE SENATE, CHALLENGES INCUMBENT TO DEBATES

SIOUX FALLS--Stressing the need for a state senator who listens and works across party lines to represent a growing district, Clara Hart announces her candidacy for the South Dakota State Senate from District 10.

Hart, 50, is the home-school immigrant liaison for the Sioux Falls School District. She has also been active in a number of community groups that provide important services to citizens in the Sioux Empire, including the Banquet, Lutheran Social Services, the Girl Scout, the Junior League, the Ronald McDonald House, the United Way, and Kilian Community College, to name just a few of her many involvements.

Hart has also lived the American dream. A native of Mozambique, she and her family were forced from the country and were refugees in Tanzania, the Sudan, Zaire, and Kenya. She eventually immigrated to the United States in 1988. In 1997, Clara earned her bachelors degree in political science from the University of Sioux Falls.

"I know first hand what a lack of law and order does to a person and to a society," Hart said. "I know first hand that it is more important to give a person a hand up than a hand out. My adult life has been spent trying to help people help themselves."

Hart's major issues are ensuring the safety of the citizens of District 10, making sure state government lives within its means, alternative energy development, education, and transparent government. She will also oppose new or increased taxes.

The Democratic candidate also believes it is time for an actual debate about the issues in District 10 and the direction the state is going on many fronts--including economic development, education, and energy.

"My opponent, Sen. Abdallah, has served South Dakota a long time," Hart said. "I respect his service as a law enforcement officer and legislator. But Gene has never really had to sit down with citizens and explain his positions or what his vision is for our state."

To further this conversation, Hart is challenging Sen. Abdallah to join her in joint appearances and debates across the district. Hart is also eschewing political action committee contributions and is only taking donations from individuals.

"I'm sure KSOO and KELO-AM would love to have both Gene and I on their local talk shows to visit with us about what we want to accomplish for the citizens in Pierre," Hart said. "Also, I am am sure many other groups would like to hear from both of us, side by side, to discuss what our district and state needs to do to move forward into the future. Gene, let me know when you're available."

Hart is married to Jon Hart, a retired psychotherapist. Hart's grown children are Sioux Falls residents Angela Saeni and Johanna Nyembe.

Hart's website is located at http://www.clarahartforsenate.com and her blog is located at http://clarahartforsenate.blogspot.com.

District 10 includes portions of south Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Worthing, Brandon, and Valley Springs.

The following are some of Clara's scheduled and tentative campaign appearances and events:

5:30 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2008--Attend Brandon Valley High School Homecoming tailgating, Brandon.
Evening, Friday, September 19, 2008--District 10 legislative candidate spots, including Clara's, scheduled to air on South Dakota Public TV.
9:30--11 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2008--Attend Meet the Candidates coffee at Brandon Pizza Hut with District 10 House candidate Bob Swanhorst, Brandon.
1 p.m., Sunday, September 21, 2008--Canvassing Harrisburg neighborhoods with District 10 House Candidate Mary Ann Giebink, Harrisburg.
11 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2008--"Hats with Hart" charity event and fund raiser at Ronning Branch Library, Sioux Falls (tentative).
Noon, Friday, October 3, 2008--Speech to Minnehaha County Democratic Forum, Hyvee, 37th and Minnesota, Sioux Falls.
4-6 p.m., SD State Employees Organization candidate coffee, State Office Building, 811 E. 10th St., Sioux Falls.

For more information or to schedule an interview or event contact the candidate at 323-9417 or campaign manager Todd Epp at 351-5021 or at hartforsenate@gmail.com.

Photos of the candidate also attached.

Paid for and authorized by Hart for Senate Campaign, Tom Houle, Treasurer, 1600 Southeastern Ave., #304, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Babies and Dogs on an NFL Sunday in Harrisburg

2008-09-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

I walked a good bit of Harrisburg on Sunday, the first Sunday of NFL action.

I talked to a number of wives who came to the door--and a few men--who politely gave up watching their favorite game to come talk to me.

My canvassing team and I--State House candidate Mary Ann Giebink, Barry Foster, my husband Jon, my granddaughter Nadia, and Harrisburg resident Todd Epp--encountered a lot of homes with babies and dogs. Todd joked that I'd win the race hands down based on the number of dogs I met in Harrisburg!

It was a wonderful day to be out--cool, a little overcast, just a slight breeze. Kids were playing football in the yards or riding their bicycles.

Everyone I met was so very nice and listened as I introduced myself.

I'll be spending more time over the coming weeks in Harrisburg and look forward to knocking on your door--and meeting your dog!

Photo: District Ten Senate candidate Clara Hart and granddaughter Nadia, 7, go door knocking in Harrisburg.

And The Campaign Is Off and Running (Or At Least Walking)!

2008-09-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

I got into this race a little late. Ok, a lot late. I was added to the ballot on August 12, 2008.

Since then, I've been trying to do all the organizational work that it takes to be a candidate. There are so many things to do--people to meet, events to attend, details to attend to.

So finally, yesterday, Labor Day, the traditional kick off for the General Election, I finally was able to get out and drop some literature in Brandon.

It was a lovely late summer night. People were actually glad to see me!

I'll be back out knocking on a lot more doors in the coming days and weeks. I hope to stop by your door too!

Welcome to My Blog and My Campaign!

2008-09-01T20:21:00.001-07:00

Hi, I'm Clara Hart and I'm running for the South Dakota State Senate from District 10!

I'm new to politics but I'm not new to service to others. I'm running for the State Senate because I think it is time for fresh ideas--and some sunshine--to come into the halls of the Capitol in Pierre.

I'm not your typical candidate but my story is a familiar one--it is an American story. I grew up in Mozambique in southeast Africa. Because of war and revolution--no law and order--my family and I were forced to flee to Tanzania, the Sudan, Zairie, Kenya--and then America.

I grew up more quickly than I wanted. I poured myself into education. I knew that was the pathway to success.

I also knew that helping others--like those who had helped a scared, little girl from Africa--was the most important thing in life.

For almost the past 20 years, I ahve volunteered for The Banquet, the Junior League, Lutheran Social Services, the Girl Scouts, and the Ronald McDonald House. I've served on the boards of the League of Women Voters, Killian Community College, the Sioux Falls Area Foundation, the United Way, Volunteers of America, and the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault.

America--and Sioux Falls--gave me opportunity.

It now my opportunity to give back to America and South Dakota.

I am for law and order, efficient governmental services, open government, and education.

More importantly, I will listen to you and your concerns.

I hope you'll join me as I campaign this fall to represent all the citizens of District Ten in the South Dakota State Senate.