Shawn Carter is running for Jane Greimann’s soon-to-be-vacant seat in the Iowa House. But he is not a politician, nor is he a student — but if elected, he said he will help students regain lost funding and acquire more jobs.

Carter said class sizes are growing and teachers are being lost as a result of budget cuts.

“Why are we losing gym teachers when people are so concerned with obesity?” Carter said.

A former ISU student and full-time employee at McDonald’s, 123 S. Duff Ave., Carter said unlike his opponents, he would want school funding to place more of an emphasis on math and sciences.

“It’s a more global marketplace,” Carter said. “We must stress math and science at an early age.”

He said the United States needs to be able to compete better in these areas with other countries. If elected, Carter said he would travel around the state talking to Iowans about what is important to them.

This would aid in getting a Democratic majority back in both houses of the Iowa Legislature, he said. All 100 seats in the House are up for grabs this election. Democrats are contesting 82 of those vacancies, Carter said.

Since Democrats are in the minority and so many will be running for seats, getting voters to the polls will be the most serious issue in the election, he said.

“This election is too important for anyone not to vote,” Carter said.

“When are Dems going to get the majority back? If we’re not, the candidate must be willing to go on a crusade for the party.”

Carter ran for a position in the 2000 election and lost. He said since then his frustration has grown.

“I’m much more frustrated now,” he said.

Carter said he understands the needs of Iowans. He’s a father of two and wants the same thing for his kids that most Iowans do.

“I want safe streets, thriving communities and reasonable in-state college tuition,” he said.

Carter said he understands why students tuned out of last fall’s Ames City Council election, but said this election is too important not to pay attention.

“[I want to help] students get the power they need,” he said.

Students that know Carter said they agree he is a good candidate. Andrew Tugan, junior in political science, said he believes Carter would serve students and his constituency well.

“First of all, he understands government and the state of Iowa,” Tugan said.

Carter isn’t far removed from being a student, Tugan said.

“He quickly gains the respect of those he’s working with,” Tugan said.

Drew Miller, senior in computer science and Carter’s roommate, said Carter can better represent students because he has regular interaction with them.

“Someone with regular student interaction is needed for effective representation at the state level,” Miller said.

He said Carter will not just vote down party lines.

“He’s not a party liner; he makes his own decisions,” Miller said. “Everyone running is a good candidate, but Shawn’s younger and has greater connection to students than other candidates.”

Carter said he has spoken with many Democrats who are unhappy that they can’t get their ideas into office.

“I will work my butt off for my constituents and my state if I am given the opportunity to serve,” Carter said.

This correction was printed on April 1, 2004:

Due to a reporting error, the March 30 article “Carter will run for district House seat” incorrectly stated Shawn Carter, a Democratic candidate for the Iowa House, has two children. He has one. The Daily regrets the error.