Stabenow, Debbie (1950–)

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Stabenow, Debbie (1950–)

American politician. Name variations: Deborah Ann Stabenow. Born April 29, 1950, in Gladwin, Michigan; Michigan State University, BS, 1972, MSW, 1975; m. Tom Athans (div.); children: Todd and Michelle.

Was the youngest and 1st woman chair of the Ingham County Commission (1977–78); served as state representative for 12 years (1979–90) and state senator for 4 years (1991–94); lost primary in run for governor (1994); as a Democrat, elected to US House of Representatives (1996); elected to US Senate (2000), the 1st woman from Michigan to fill that post; authored the 1st ban on drilling for oil and gas in the Great Lakes.

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