Anti-lobbyist Obama to spur lobbying

By Jennifer Haberkorn (Contact) and Tom Ramstack | Thursday, November 6, 2008

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For nearly two years, they were bashed on the campaign circuit and singled out as evidence of what's wrong with Washington. Now, however, lobbyists -- especially those who specialize in fiscal policy, health care and energy -- say they are looking forward to booming business when President-elect Barack Obama's administration begins to target its first issues.

Lobbyists with Democratic ties in particular are hot commodities on K Street, completing a shift that began after Democrats took control of Congress in the 2006 midterm elections.

"Given the recent political reality, and certainly after [Tuesday] evening, you're certainly going to see more lobbying firms, corporations and associations shore up their Democratic relationships and capabilities," said Nels Olson managing director of the Washington office of Korn/Ferry International, a recruiting firm.

Companies with large lobbying shops have moved staffers with strong Democratic ties to the top of the heap. Lockheed Martin Corp., for instance, just announced that Gregory R. Dahlberg, a former Democratic staff director to a House committee, will replace the retiring Brian D. Dailey, who worked in President George H.W. Bush's National Space Council.

Comcast Corp. replaced its Republican D.C.-office head with Melissa Maxfield, an aide to former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, South Dakota Democrat.

Also, lobbying firms such as Patton Boggs LLP, Venable LLP and the Podesta Group Inc. recently announced hires from the staff of Sen. Christopher Dodd, Connecticut Democrat; House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Maryland Democrat; and House Majority Whip James Clyburn, South Carolina Democrat.

BGR Holding LLC, once an all-Republican lobbying firm, announced on Election Day that it had purchased Westin Rinehart, a firm with Democratic ties.

"To reflect the evolving political realities in Washington, BGR is committed to becoming a premier bipartisan firm in town," said Michael Meehan, president of BGR Public Relations. "This acquisition underscores that commitment and positions BGR well as we continue to expand our bipartisan offerings."

Don't expect K Street to turn entirely blue just yet, however.

Kirk Blalock, a partner at Fierce, Isakowitz & Blalock, said his all-Republican firm partners with Democratic lobbying firms when it needs to appeal to Democrats in Congress. He said he's not going to change his hiring practices as a result of the Democratic sweep Tuesday.

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