During his extensive career as an elected public servant , it is understatement to say that the Hon. John C. (Jack) Danforth has had a first-hand involvement in politics at the state and national level. Lately, the ordained priest has been reflecting on how things have ebbed and flowed and changed.

“I have thought a lot about the state of politics lately,” Sen. Danforth said during an interview with Honeyshuck’s Ben Clark. “The political world of your great-grandfather and grandfather were not my political world.”

Clarks’ great-grandfather, James Beauchamp “Champ” Clark and his grandfather, Bennett, existed in a different time, indeed. A poor country boy, Champ worked his way through the political ranks, from school principal and small-town attorney, to eventually attain the national office of Speaker of U.S. House. And, the story has been told – and re-told – that he was the odds-on favorite for the 1912 Presidency, as the Democratic nominee eyed a fractured Republican effort, compliments of Teddy Roosevelt’s fledgling Bull Moose initiative.

Amid controversy and high emotions, Champ was be edged by eventual president Woodrow Wilson.

Bennett, Champ’s son, went on to a political career to rival his father’s. He would become a United States senator, and his name was circulated as a possible presidential contender in the late 1930s.

There was a new climate by the time Danforth took office in the late 1960s.

 “So much has changed,” continued Danforth. “And my political world was different from the politics of today.  I have some thoughts on the differences that I will be happy to share with those attending the dinner.”

Sen. Danforth has a long list of public service, including Missouri Attorney General, United States Senator, and United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as well as playing a leading role on the Danforth Foundation. He will share his reflections – and concerns – on the state of politics today, and compare today’s environment with those in which the Clarks served in public office.

“Honeyshuck”, located on East Champ Clark Drive in Bowling Green, was the Clarks’ home and center of political activity in Northeast Missouri for many years. Today, it serves to remember Pike County political figures and honor their achievments.

The Champ Clark House (Honeyshuck), Bowling Green, Mo., will host its annual dinner Thursday evening Sept. 25. For more information, visit www.champclark.org, or call Charlene at 573.324.3154; or Mary at 573.324.3375. The dinner will be held at Bowling Green First Presbyterian Church, 205 West Centennial, Bowling Green. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the dinner begins at 6:30. Cost per person is $20.