Update (11-20-08): Name principles James Copeland and Lynn Jacquez broke off from the firm and formed the governmental affairs shop CJ Strategies.

Innovative Federal Strategies, the renamed company of controversial former lobbying firm Copeland Lowery Jacquez Denton & White, recently signed on CoalStar Industries as a client. One of the lobbyists listed on the registration is David Kilian, who was a minority staffer at the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee from 2000-2003 under then-ranking Democrat John Murtha. Coalstar Industries, interestingly, is based in Johnstown, Pa., the main city in Murtha's district and the hometown of the veteran lawmaker.

                                                                                                             -- Gregg Sangillo

Murtha's pork-barrel politics have become legendary over the years. In addition, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, Kilian has contributed $3500 to Murtha's campaign coffers, including $1000 in September of this year. After referring to his district as "racist," Murtha faced a surprisingly tough challenge this year from Republican William Russell, though he prevailed with 58 percent of the vote.

Copeland Lowery was rocked by scandal over its ties to Rep. Jerry Lewis, D-Calif. and became entangled in the federal investigation of Lewis in 2006. See story in The Hill newspaper (here).

Innovative Federal Strategies Letitia White (a partner in the previous firm) and a former Lewis staffer at House Appropriations, was also listed on the registration form with Kilian and one other lobbyist. White got caught up in the 2006 scandal over her lucrative lobbying practice and her alleged ability to win earmarks from her former boss.