Dan Claitor (R - Baton Rouge) was elected April 4, 2009 with 66% of the votes cast. He was sworn in on April 14, 2009 and began his first session as Senator for Louisiana District 16 on April 27, 2009. On September 6, 2011, Dan qualified for a second term and was not opposed.
Dan was born and raised in Baton Rouge, attended our public schools and graduated from Lee High School in 1979. Dan continued his education at LSU and earned a degree in finance in 1983, where upon he entered the family business, Claitor's Law Books & Publishing. Looking to add a little horsepower to his degree and resume, Dan enrolled in Loyola Law School's night program. Desiring to finish more quickly, Dan switched to the day program after his first semester. He was sworn in as a lawyer and an Assistant District Attorney on the same day, September 30, 1987. Not long after being sworn in, he was in the courtroom representing the State of Louisiana. Evidently, public service is not new to Dan.
"I am humbled, honored, and grateful for this opportunity to serve the people of District 16 and the great state of Louisiana. While some folks have predicted doom and gloom for our State and this region, I am optimistic about what lies ahead. While the near future won't be easy, tremendous opportunities await us. With your help, support, and prayers, Louisiana can seize these opportunities that are right before us and we can move this state forward, not only for our own good and that of our children, but for the good of generations to come." Dan Claitor, Louisiana State Senator District 16
When not devoting his time to his duties as Senator for District 16, Dan maintains a small law practice that serves, chiefly, the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas. His wife and two children, Sam and James, are members of St. Jude Catholic Church. Sam attends the Flagship University, LSU, and is studying graphic design. James is a 10th grader at CHS. Sharmaine is a homemaker and an artist. Dan and Sharmaine will celebrate their 22 st anniversary in late September of 2011. Dan's parents still live in the family home in University Acres and two of his three brothers live in District 16. Dan's family has lived and been involved in the Baton Rouge community for three generations. Dan and Sharmaine live in Walden, adjacent to the Magnolia Woods and Kenilworth neighborhoods.
Elected to fill a partial term, Dan's present term ends on December 31, 2011. His second term begins January 1, 2012.
Dan is a member of the following committees: Judiciary A, Finance , Education and Health & Welfare.
Dan is committed to funding higher education. He believes proper funding of LSU, our flagship university, is critical to our children's future. Dan promotes reducing state spending, cutting government waste and balancing the budget, keeping in mind clearly stated priorities.
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Click here to go to the Louisiana Senate website for information about Dan and the Louisiana Senate.
Scroll down to see a swearing in photo in the Senate Chamber.
