In a twist on family ties on K Street, retiring Rep. Jim McCrery, R-La., will be joining Capitol Counsel, a lobbying firm founded by veteran tax lobbyist John D. Raffaelli, whose first cousin is McCrery's wife, Johnette, according to sources. McCrery, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, was pursued by bigger lobbying shops, including Patton Boggs, Navigators, and Washington Council Ernst & Young, but should fit in well at Capitol Counsel given his background in tax matters. The firm's clients include Home Depot and the Real Estate Roundtable, as well as several drug companies and health care clients. Raffaelli declined to comment.

                                                                                       -- Peter H. Stone and Bara Vaida