These Republican lobbyists may be relative newcomers to the private sector, but many around town say they bear watching because of their close ties to the Republican power structure. These former legislative and executive branch senior advisers and lawmakers have had the time to find their sea legs.   Now that their party is back…Read More…

Capitol Counsel has hired as a principal Drew Goesl, the former chief of staff to Arkansas Rep. Mike Ross, the Blue Dog Democrat who’s playing a key role in the health care debate. Earlier, Goesl was an aide to Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), serving mainly as her communications director. In 2005, he was president of…Read More…

The last election gave Democrats the White House and firmer control of Congress. That power shift has been reflected on K Street, where Democratic lobbyists, not long ago relegated to almost an afterthought, are once again in vogue. What follows is The Hill’s annual effort to name a few of the best lobbyists for hire…Read More…

Rep. Jim McCrery (R-La.), the ranking member on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, is making the jump to K Street. The retiring 10-term member is joining Capitol Counsel as a partner in January, the firm announced Thursday. The move pairs McCrery and his Ways and Means creds with firm founder John D. Raffaelli,…Read More…

[Among the top lobbyists listed in the Washingtonian’s “Hired Guns: The City’s 50 Top Lobbyists” are:]   John D. Raffaelli, Capitol Counsel. … Raffaelli began his lobbying career in partnership with Democratic fundraiser and former party chair Terry McAuliffe. When the Republicans captured the White House in 2000, Raffaelli says he figured a name change…Read More…