There's been lots of chatter on K Street about certain lobbyists losing some clout as the result of Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., being forced to relinquish the gavel of the House Energy and Commerce Committee this week. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif. will be the new chair of the committee in the next Congress.
Lobbyists who have built their businesses around ties to Dingell will be especially busy meeting with their clients over the next few months. If you're one of those lobbyists you'll be looking to reassure clients you are still relevant and effective. "Over three decades, John built up a group of friends and former lawmakers and staff who have revolved onto K Street and it will be a significant change" to not have the veteran lawmaker in charge of the powerful committee, said former Rep. Gerry Sikorski, D-Minn., a partner at law and lobbying firm Holland & Knight. Sikorski added that Dingell will "still be a force" on the committee, so it's not bleak" for those lobbyists with Dingell ties.
A number of businesses are also worried about how tough Waxman will be on corporate interests. Sectors likely to see more heat are the auto, pharmaceutical, and tobacco industries. In a story today, The New York Times quoted David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich. saying Waxman is an "irrational environmental zealot."
Sikorski, who worked closely with Waxman while he was in Congress, says the lawmaker is more reasonable than his reputation would indicate. "He is very much a pragmatist, with an eye on the ideal," he said. " I think stakeholders will be pleasantly surprised how involved they will be" in the legislative process." To bone up on Waxman, check out Julie Kosterlitz's NJ profile of Waxman from 1989.
So whose star power is waxing and whose is waning? National Journal can't say definitively. But we know of three former Waxman aides who now work on
And those who worked for Dingell? The Center for Responsive Politics's revolving door section lists former Dingell staffers who are now on
Some names missing from that list include Dingell's wife Debbie Dingell, who though not a registered lobbyist has worked for General Motors for many years; John Ford with Sidley Austin; Lisa Kountoupes, founder of Kountoupes Consulting; John Orlando, senior vice president with CBS; Johanna Shelton, a lobbyist with Google; Marda Robillard, vice president with Van Scoyoc Associates; and Thomas Ryan of Ryan, Phillips, Utrecht & MacKinnon.
--Bara Vaida
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Responded on November 21, 2008 5:47 PM
Bara Vaida
From Lisa Kountoupes, founder of Kountoupes Consulting: "We used to have a saying on the staff that if you had three heads and green skin, but gave him good advice, he would listen. As a young woman relatively new to Washington in 1989, I definitely benefited from that approach. He decided that he trusted me and as a result I was given tremendous opportunities at a relatively young age. For that I will always be grateful. The legislative strategy and tactical skills I learned from Mr. Dingell have served me well through 2 decades in Washington, from the White House and Clinton cabinet agencies to the private sector. Everyone knows his legislative skills are tremendous, but, as important, I think, is the perspective he has brought and will continue to bring to his work. I feel fortunate to have started my career working for someone with such high regard for government service in general, and indeed, love for institution of the House of Representatives in particular. I also admire the clear ethical compass he brings to every situation. He has influenced a whole generation...
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From Lisa Kountoupes, founder of Kountoupes Consulting:
"We used to have a saying on the staff that if you had three heads and green skin, but gave him good advice, he would listen. As a young woman relatively new to Washington in 1989, I definitely benefited from that approach. He decided that he trusted me and as a result I was given tremendous opportunities at a relatively young age. For that I will always be grateful. The legislative strategy and tactical skills I learned from Mr. Dingell have served me well through 2 decades in Washington, from the White House and Clinton cabinet agencies to the private sector. Everyone knows his legislative skills are tremendous, but, as important, I think, is the perspective he has brought and will continue to bring to his work. I feel fortunate to have started my career working for someone with such high regard for government service in general, and indeed, love for institution of the House of Representatives in particular. I also admire the clear ethical compass he brings to every situation. He has influenced a whole generation of legislators and non-legislators alike."
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