Current:Home > reviewsFormer US Sen. Dick Clark, an Iowa Democrat known for helping Vietnam War refugees, has died at 95 -ApexWealth
Former US Sen. Dick Clark, an Iowa Democrat known for helping Vietnam War refugees, has died at 95
View
Date:2025-04-25 05:50:43
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Dick Clark, a Democrat who unexpectedly won a single term representing Iowa in the 1970s after campaigning by walking around the state, and who later played a key role in aiding refugees after the Vietnam War, has died. He was 95.
Clark died Wednesday at his home in Washington, said his daughter, Julie Clark Mendoza.
Clark was elected to the Senate in 1972 after launching a longshot bid against two-term Republican Sen. Jack Miller. With little money for his campaign, Clark opted to walk across Iowa during numerous trips in 1972.
The walks, on which he often was joined by supporters, were credited for his convincing victory with 55% of the vote.
During his time in the Senate, Clark devoted time to Africa, pushing for policies to help newly independent nations and to oppose apartheid.
Clark lost in his run for reelection in 1978, and he believed his work in Africa prompted funding against his campaign.
After leaving the Senate, President Jimmy Carter appointed Clark as ambassador-at-large for a refugee crisis related to the Vietnam War. Clark worked with Congress to help create a refugee policy and set up a structure to help refugees.
Later, Clark joined the Aspen Institute, an international nonprofit, and focused on helping members of Congress better understand specific foreign policy issues. He also worked to restore relations with Vietnam, including arranging meetings between U.S. and Vietnamese officials.
Clark was born Sept. 14, 1928, in the unincorporated community of Paris, Iowa. His parents made a living selling eggs door to door and later opened a grocery store.
He was drafted into the Army and served in Europe from 1950 to 1952. He attended Upper Iowa University and the University of Iowa, obtaining bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.
Survivors include his wife, his daughter and two sons, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
veryGood! (6241)
Related
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Karlie Kloss Says She Still Gets Trolled for 2019 Camp Met Gala Look
- From Hollywood to auto work, organized labor is flexing its muscles. Where do unions stand today?
- Wynonna Judd on opening CMA Awards performance with rising star Jelly Roll: 'It's an honor'
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Live updates | Negotiations underway for 3-day humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, officials say
- Man accuses riverboat co-captain of assault during Alabama riverfront brawl
- Man receives the first eye transplant plus a new face. It’s a step toward one day restoring sight
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Missing 5-year-old found dead in pond near Rhode Island home
Ranking
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Stock market today: Asian shares mostly higher after China reports that prices fell in October
- Josh Peck’s drug, alcohol use after weight loss sparks talk about 'addiction transfer'
- Kendall Jenner Details Her Hopes for “Traditional” Family and Kids
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Minneapolis police lieutenant disciplined over racist email promoted to homicide unit leader
- Cheetahs change hunting habits on hot days, increasing odds of unfriendly encounters with other big cats, study finds
- Patrick Dempsey named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine: I'm glad it's happening at this point in my life
Recommendation
McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
Southwest Airlines says it's ready for the holidays after its meltdown last December
Pizza Hut in Hong Kong rolls out snake-meat pizza for limited time
Jury rejects insanity defense for man convicted of wedding shooting
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Titanic first-class menu, victim's pocket watch going on sale at auction
Fights in bread lines, despair in shelters: War threatens to unravel Gaza’s close-knit society
National institute will build on New Hampshire’s recovery-friendly workplace program