By Kathy Groob, Publisher – Writing a book and advocating for women is how former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (D-Illinois) is spending her days after falling short in her re-election bid last November.  “I’m frustrated now because of what’s happening in Washington,” said Halvorson.  “Extreme partisans are ruining the country.  I was elected as a moderate and there is no room for moderates right now.”

Debbie Halvorson one of the most powerful women in Illinois when she was convinced to run for Congress in 2008.  Halvorson was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1996 and became the first female majority leader.

“When I was first elected to the Illinois Senate, people would say to me “What senator are you representing?”  I had to say, “I am the Senator,” said Halvorson.  Debbie Halvorson has no immediate plans to run again and is focused on her consulting and lobbying business, Solutions Unlimited, and writing her book.

“The book will be part memoir and part Illinois politics,” said Halvorson.  She entered the Illinois Senate the same year as Barack Obama.  It was encouragement by Rahm Emmanuel and Barack Obama that convinced Halvorson to run for Congress.  The book will include stories about working with Barack Obama in the early years in the Senate.

Debbie Halvorson’s life has not been an easy road.  She has suffered abuse and it was only through hard work that she was able to succeed despite the odds.  She earned her college degree and even a Master’s Degree while serving in the Senate. “There is another way outside of politics that I can now help people,” said Halvorson.  “My mission is to help other women by sharing my story.”

Click here to read more about Debbie Halvorson.