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She was born in Gladwin and raised in Clare. She was elected into office in 2000, and promises to get things done. She is a ranking member of the Senate Energy, Finance, and Budget Committees. She plays a unique role in manufacturing, health care, and agricultural policies. She has cut taxes for small businesses.

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Her family owned a local oldsmobile dealership. Her mother was a director of nursing at the local hospital. Debbie was inspired to enter politics in her efforts to stop the closing of a nursing home. She graduated top of her class at Clare High School and earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees at Michigan State University. She was elected in Ingham's County Board of Commisioners at the age of 24, and in two years she was elected the Chair of the Board. She was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives where she served for 12 years and then to the State Senate where she served for four years. Elected to the U.S. Congress in 1996 representing Michigan's Eighth Congressional District, she made history in 2000 when she became the first woman from the State of Michigan elected to the United States Senate.

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A focus for Debbie has always been to create more jobs. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Manufacturing Caucus, she has been active in leveling the playing field in international trade and for giving our workers the skills they need to excel in the international marketplace.