Tom Harkin

Thomas Richard " Tom" Harkin ( born November 19, 1939 in Cumming, Warren County, Iowa ) is an American politician of the Democratic Party. He represents the state of Iowa since 1985 in the U.S. Senate.

Life

Harkin worked as a lawyer before he was first elected in 1974 in the House of Representatives of the United States. He was a member of the chamber of parliament until 1984; then he was elected senator for Iowa what he is today. In 1992, he competed as a presidential candidate, but lost his party's nomination against Bill Clinton, whom he loyally supported for many years later. He distinguished himself as an advocate for people with disabilities and influenced the legislation in this area critical.

Harkin is regarded as advocates of a liberal abortion law and supports education programs to prevent teenage pregnancy. He agreed in March 2006 against the extension of the USA PATRIOT Act. In July 2006, Harkin fell through a speech in response to the veto of George W. Bush against a law on stem cell research. Harkin is regarded as supporters of stem cell research.

In January 2013, Harkin said he wanted to not re-apply for the Senate election in 2014 to his mandate.

Personal

Harkins father worked in a coal mine, his mother died when he was ten years old. He has been married since 1968 and has two daughters.