Thursday, February 18, 2010
Leaving Congress is not a risky proposition for senators and representatives looking for new work. The experience, knowledge and political connections that lawmakers acquire while serving in office can lead to high-paid lobbying jobs in Washington, of which there are plenty these days.
Current and near-term openings include the top job at the pharmaceutical industry’s lobbying operation, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association (PhRMA), now that its leader, former Louisiana congressman Billy Tauzin, has announced his resignation. Tauzin’s replacement can expect to make at least $2 million for running PhRMA.
Ex-lawmakers can also vie to become president and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, because Dan Glickman (formerly a Kansas representative) is leaving for another job. Also in need of new leadership are the American Council of Life Insurers, the Credit Union National Association, the Beer Institute (imagine the perks) and the Security Industry Association.
Lawmakers retiring from Congress who are rumored to be looking at a lobbying job include Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Tennessee Democratic Representatives John Tanner and Bart Gordon.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Retiring Lawmakers May Be Tempted to Take Big Job Openings on K Street (by Jim Snyder and Silla Brush, The Hill)
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