As happens with any predicted change in power, D.C. lobby shops are hiring Republican staff before November’s mid-terms. With some pundits predicting turnover in the House – and a few even predicting a possible majority swap in the Senate – Washington’s influence industry stands prepared to hire more insiders.
According to the New York Times, “Lobbyists, political consultants and recruiters all say that the going rate for Republicans — particularly current and former House staff members — has risen significantly in just the last few weeks, with salaries beginning at $300,000 and going as high as $1 million for private sector positions.”
Groups that are interested in taking advantage of a potential swing in the make-up of the Congress – who might have such goals as tax cuts, attempted roll-back of March’s health care law, financial services regulatory reform, and more – may seek to beef up their Republican staff in advance of having a new wave of legislators whose goals align with their own.
Connections – as well as being in the right place at the right time – are everything. With thousands of job-seekers sure to flood the city after their candidate wins, now may be the perfect time for staffers looking to make a change to jump to the private sector. Having those connections in place prior to the election could be a boost to corporate or nonprofit advocacy programs.
Revolving door restrictions may place a damper on some senior staff plans to switch to private sector or non-profit lobby work. Those staffers in the House who become lobbyists may not lobby their former employer’s office for a year, while Senate senior staffers may not lobby the entirety of the body for a year.
The New York Times story is here – “Lobbyists Rush to Hire G.O.P. Staff Ahead of Vote.
Tags: mid-terms, Republican lobbyists
