Sen. Abraham Defeated

(November 8, 2000) Sen. Spencer Abraham, one of the most pro tech members of the Senate, lost his bid for re-election from the state of Michigan. Other Senators involved in technology issues who also lost include Sen. John Ashcroft (R-MO) and Sen. William Roth (R-DE). Meanwhile, Sen. Slade Gorton's (R-WA) race is still too close to call.

Rep. Spencer Abraham (R-MI)

Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-MI) lost in a very close race against Rep. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

He is the Chairman of the Immigration Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He shifted the subcommittee to pro immigration policies. In particular, he championed efforts to increase the number of H1B visas for skilled high tech workers in both the 105th and 106th Congress. He was also instrumental in passing a bill to provide for the acceptance of electronic signatures in interstate commerce.

In addition to his seat on the Judiciary Committee, he also sat on the Senate Commerce Committee.

Sen. John Ashcroft (R-MO) lost to the deceased Mel Carnahan. Sen. Ashcroft was a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. He was one of the Senate's leading advocates of easing encryption export restraints.

Sen. William Roth (R-DE) lost to Thomas Carper. Sen. Roth was Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. While this Committee did report such pro tech legislation as the China PNTR bill, the Foreign Sales Corporation system replacement bill, Sen. Roth has not been as tech friendly as many other members of the Committee on tech related tax issues.

Maria Cantwell is in a very tight race with Sen. Slade Gorton (R-WA). Sen. Gorton has been Microsoft's staunchest defender in the Senate. However, Cantwell would likely duplicate this role.