'She leaves a legacy': Martha Fuller Clark, a NH political icon, recognized for her work

Karen Dandurant

March 7, 2022 at 5:03 AM·4 min read

PORTSMOUTH -- Martha Fuller Clark, Portsmouth's longtime state senator and a New Hampshire political icon, celebrated her 80th birthday Saturday with a few hundred of her closest friends.

Admirers gathered at the Sheraton in Portsmouth to raise funds and to honor Fuller Clark for her dedication to serving Portsmouth and the state. It was a who's who of New Hampshire Democrats, including the state's entire congressional delegation.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who finished third in the New Hampshire primary in 2020, was the night's keynote speaker.

When the Clarks arrived, a cacophony of applause filled the ballroom.

"It is such a privilege to be honored by so many Democrats," said Fuller Clark. "I have such great supporters in New Hampshire and Washington. I feel privileged to call you all my friends."

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Dr. Geoffrey Clark and Martha Fuller Clark arrive at the Sheraton to celebrate her 80th birthday Saturday

Democratic Chairman Ray Buckley emceed, as speakers praised Fuller Clark, describing her patience, generosity and the willingness to mentor new people considering a career in politics. There were lists of her accomplishments, like her work for women's rights, energy and the environment.

Fuller Clark's biggest fan is clearly her husband, Dr. Geoffrey Clark.

"Martha and I are so glad to be here; at our age we are glad to be anywhere," Clark joked. "There are so many ways I am proud of Martha. She has never been shy or afraid to speak her mind. Those who know Martha knows she looks for opportunities to work with anyone, on any issue important to her. She learns all the time. Who would have thought that a woman with a degree in art history could become such an expert in the working of the public utilities commission?"

Clark's best Martha story was about how she took a bill, deemed inexpedient to legislate, from just after the Revolutionary War, an act to free Portsmouth area slaves, and got it taken off the table and passed, as part of the ceremonies surrounding the creating of the African Burying Ground in Portsmouth.

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As he blew her a kiss, Clark said, "Martha, I am so very proud of you."

Retired State Senator Martha Fuller Clark is assisted with her mask by her husband, Dr. Geoffrey Clark

Klobuchar, in her keynote speech, addressed the bloody invasion of Ukraine by Russia, assuring those gathered that the U.S. was actively responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression.

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"Putin is not savvy, not smart, not a genius as Donald Trump is saying," she said. "He is a tyrant, and we are not going to allow it."

Pivoting back to Fuller Clark, Klobuchar called her a light in the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

"The love for you in this room has no limits," said Klobuchar. "The people who stood on your shoulders created this city of the open door. And you created the next generation of leaders, who can now stand on their own."

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, speaks at a party celebrating Martha Fuller Clark's 80th birthday on Saturday, March 5.

One of those people, Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, now holds the state senate seat from which Fuller Clark retired in 2020.

"It is an honor to be here to celebrate a mentor," said Perkins Kwoka. "I hope I can continue her work, her legacy in women's rights, housing and energy issues in the state."

Assistant Mayor Joanna Kelley said Fuller Clark is a guiding light for the city.

"She has always shown that we can make a difference," she said.

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Retired State Senator Martha Fuller Clark and US Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said she has been working with Fuller Clark for more than 40 years.

"She leaves a legacy to Portsmouth and to the entire state," said U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. "I have known Martha since she came to help me with the Somersworth Children's Festival, in 1980. I am glad I got a chance to watch her important work over the years."

Fuller Clark thanked her biggest supporters, her husband Geoffrey and her children.

"My children could not be here tonight, but they are watching on Zoom," she said. "At least I think they are."

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Portsmouth NH honors political icon Martha Fuller Clark for birthday

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