Brian Branton, the new chief of staff for Rep.-elect Jared Polis, D-Colo., last served as vice president of congressional relations at USA Funds. Branton is the third former lobbyist documented by National Journal who has been recruited by a freshmen lawmaker for a top position. Branton has also served as the chief of staff for Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., legislative director for Rep. David Wu, D-Ore., legislative counsel for Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., and legislative assistant for the late Democratic Rep. Patsy Mink, D-Hawaii. He earned his law degree from American University's Washington College of Law and his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Other freshmen to take on former lobbyists include Rep.-elect Mike McMahon, D-N.Y., and Sen.-elect Mike Johanns, R-Neb. Christopher McCannell, who was previously a director in the government relations firm Quinn Gillespie & Associates where he focused on financial services, is the new chief of staff for McCannell. Chris Peterson, who has served as director of government affairs for Union Pacific Railroad, is deputy chief of staff for Johanns.

                                                                                                                -- Winter Casey