Spencer Abraham

Edward Spencer Abraham (born June 12, 1952 in East Lansing, Michigan) is an American politician. He had served as the 10th United States Secretary of Energy, serving under President George W. Bush.

Related Topics:
June 12 - 1952 - East Lansing, Michigan - American - United States Secretary of Energy - George W. Bush

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Prior to becoming Energy Secretary, Abraham represented Michigan in the United States Senate from 1995 to 2001, as the only Arab American in that chamber. He served on the Budget, Commerce, Science and Transportation, Judiciary, and Small Business Committees. He also chaired two subcommittees: Manufacturing and Competitiveness, and Immigration. Abraham authored the H1B Visa in Global and National Commerce Act, establishing a federal framework for on-line contracts and signatures; the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, and the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, which protects Internet domain names for businesses and persons against copyright and trademark infringements. He was defeated for reelection to the Senate in 2000 for a second term by Debbie Stabenow.

Related Topics:
Michigan - United States Senate - 1995 - 2001 - Arab American - Small Business - H1B Visa in Global and National Commerce Act - Government Paperwork Elimination Act - Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act - Debbie Stabenow

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Before his election to the Senate, Abraham was a law professor at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He was deputy chief of staff for Vice President Dan Quayle from 1990-1991. He later served as co-chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 1991 to 1993. Previously, he was chairman of the Michigan Republican Party from 1983 to 1990.

Related Topics:
Thomas M. Cooley Law School - Dan Quayle - 1990 - 1991 - National Republican Congressional Committee - 1993 - Michigan - Republican Party - 1983

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Spencer Abraham and his wife, Jane, have three children. He holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Harvard University, and is a 1974 Honors College graduate of Michigan State University and is a native of East Lansing, Michigan. His grandparents were Lebanese immigrants.

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Juris Doctor - (J.D.) - Harvard University - Michigan State University - East Lansing, Michigan - Lebanese

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On November 15, 2004, Abraham announced that he would resign from the position of Secretary of Energy, which took effect with the swearing in of his successor Samuel W. Bodman on February 1, 2005.

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November 15 - 2004 - Secretary of Energy - Samuel W. Bodman - February 1 - 2005

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On February 14, 2005 The Toronto Star reported that Abraham was on a short list of candidates for American ambassador to Canada to replace Paul Cellucci.

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February 14 - 2005 - Toronto Star - Paul Cellucci

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In July 2005, Abraham's wife, Jane, announced that after some consideration she would not be a candidate for the U.S. Senate to challenge Debbie Stabenow. Michigan Republicans had attempted to recruit Mrs. Abraham to run against the first-term Stabenow, who had defeated her husband in 2000.

Related Topics:
U.S. Senate - Debbie Stabenow - 2000

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