Cramer becomes a lobbyist
In the most definitive example yet of the blueing of K Street, Wexler and Walker Public Policy Associates has signed on just-retired Rep. Bud Cramer as chairman to help lead the firm as a top Democrat.
The move is part of a wave of Democratic hires that has washed over Washington’s lobbying community since November’s election. Another just-inked deal will send Rep. Melissa L. Bean’s chief of staff, John Michael Gonzalez, to Johnson, Madigan, Peck, Boland & Stewart.
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After the November elections, the discussions to bring Cramer downtown began to heat up. And by mid-January, the increasingly intense negotiations gave way to an agreement to bring Cramer on as the firm’s chairman.
“Bud is the Democrat coming off the Hill this year that every firm downtown hoped to attract. That’s why we’re so proud he chose to join our team,” said Bob Walker, who’ll become executive chairman when Cramer joins the firm today.
As one of the only Democrats leaving the House after a transformative election, Cramer brings with him fresh relationships and an understanding of how the new Washington works.
“You’ve got firms that haven’t adapted to the new realities of Washington,” Cramer said. “You’ve got a K Street that seems to be impressed more with a Democratic background. But more importantly than the Democratic label, what I hope Wexler and Walker saw in me is (the ability to work) the issue, not just working the party in power.”
I hope he enjoys his new expense account.
Well, like I said on my blog, I guess Cramer finally decided to make some money.
I guess this means he won’t be returning to Northern Alabama anytime soon.