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Klinker wins HD27; Will serve 16th term

State Representative Sheila Klinker will serve a 16th term in the Indiana General Assembly.

The Democrat was picked to represent District 27, defeating Republican Chuck Hockema.

Because of redistricting, Klinker will represent some new constituents in the district that includes Lafayette and parts of Wabash Township.

"I am very eager to represent this area," she said.  "So, I will work very hard to get their support and to let them know that I am in their corner."

Klinker, who began serving in 1982, says how to use state reserves and education reforms are her main issues as she returns to Indianapolis.

“Certainly creating jobs in our state (is a goal), we've already done that with some incentives, but I think looking at our corporate income tax and maybe look at lowering that, we have a surplus," she said.  "Also, addressing educational issues.  We really have cut back a lot of our funding.”

Hockema says even though he lost, he is proud of how he fought in the race.

“It's been encouraging," he said.  "I've had a lot of people practically threaten me if I don't run again, but I'll be making that decision independently of any of those threats.”

Hockema indicated he would consider running again, but says it’s too soon to say now.

House District 27 includes Lafayette and parts of Wabash Township.