After Senate loss, Giannoulias to write book on campaigning

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Former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who recently lost his U.S. Senate race to Republican Mark Kirk, left for South America Thursday to write a book.

“The book is going to be about campaigning in this day and age and the importance of young people getting involved and my thoughts on partisan politics and why it’s bad for our country,” said Giannoulias.

“I’ve jotted down notes and I’ve been talking to a publisher, but we haven’t signed anything yet. I haven’t written a page yet,” said Giannoulias.

Giannoulias will live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and plans to focus on writing, but will also work with Heifer International on microfinance lending to small female-owned businesses.

“They’ll be small loans to impoverished people in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay — people who need $20 or $50 to set up a small business or buy inventory for their business.”

Giannoulias, who speaks little Spanish, will to stop in Brazil on his way to Argentina to work with the Red Cross to help victims of recent mudslides.

Giannoulias, who plans to return to Chicago in March, says living in Buenos Aires is something he’s always wanted to do, but he didn’t hatch the plan until after the Senate loss.

When he returns, Giannoulias says he plans to get into the clean energy field — possibly by raising private equity.

“And I also really want to do some teaching, probably at one of the universities. I’ve had some offers from a couple schools and we are continuing to have conversations,” said Giannoulias.

Giannoulias, who left Thursday afternoon, is packing light and plans to find a friendly basketball court when he gets to Argentina.

As for politics: Giannoulias says he hasn’t spoken to Kirk since the their post-election meeting at the Billy Goat. “But I told him I was available if he needed me.”

And as for Giannoulias’ name on a future ballot: “I don’t know. Most likely — but I don’t want to be one of those guys who runs for office just to run for office because he thinks he can win. I don’t have to run for office. I could work on campaign finance reform or a number of other things. I think politics is a great avenue for people who really care. And I know that sounds cheesy, but I really feel it from the bottom of my heart.

“But, right now I don’t have anything circled.”