2/4/2015

TexasLobbyPowerRankings2015

HIREDGUNS

NealT."Buddy"Jones
HillCoPartners,ExState
Representative,House
SpeakerGibLewis
ExecutiveAssistant

MikeToomey
TexasCapitolGroup,Ex
StateRepresentative,Ex
ChiefofStafftoGovs.
RickPerryandBill
Clements

RustyKelley
Blackridge,House
SpeakerBillyClayton
ExecutiveAssistant

BillMesser
TexasCapitolGroup,Ex
StateRepresentative,
SpeakerTomCraddick
TransitionTeam

RobertMiller
LockeLordPublicLaw
GroupChair,ExHouston
METROChairman,Former
StateSenateAide

JohnPitts
TexasStarAlliance,Ex
GeneralCounseltoLt.
Gov.BobBullock,House
AppropriationsChairman
JimPittsTwinBrother

DemetriusMcDaniel
GreenbergTraurig,Ex
SpecialAssistantto
AgricultureCommissioner
JimHightower

RobertJohnson
Johnson&JohnsonLaw
Firm,Sonoflate
parliamentarianand
SpeakerJoeStraus'Chief
PoliticalAdvisor'sbrother

AllenBlakemore
Blakemore&Associates,
ChiefPoliticalAdvisorto
Lt.Gov.DanPatrickand
OtherGOPStateOfficials

ClintHackney
10 ClintHackney&Company,
ExStateRepresentative
11

LaraKeel
TexasCapitolGroup,Ex
StateSenateAide,Red
StateWomenPresident

12

YuniedthMidenceSteen
LockeLord,ExChiefof
StafftoStateSenator
JohnWhitmire

RonLewis
13 RonLewis&Associates,
ExStateRepresentative
JamesMathis
14 ExJohnSharpCampaign
Manager
SteveBresnen
15 ExGeneralCounseltoLt.
Gov.BobBullock
CurtSeidlits
16 FocusedAdvocacy,Ex
StateRepresentative
GaltGraydon

TexasLobbyRisingStars
FormerTexasLegislators
TexasPoliticalConsultants
FormerStateAgencyHeads
CorporateInHouseLobby
Causes&IssuesLobbyists

TexasLobbyTeams
LawFirmLobbyShops
PrivateSectorAssociations
PublicSectorAssociations
NonprofitOrganizations
LeagueofTheirOwn

CarrieSimmons

MicahRodriguez

AmyMaxwell

A.J.Bingham

MindyEllmer

KeithStrama

TreyBlocker

KenArmbrister

February3,2015

LeadershipShakeupCouldFuelCloutShuffle
atPinkGraniteStatehousewithTeaPartyTint
ProfessionalAdvocacyAssociationofTexas
AllenBlakemoreroutinelytellspeoplethathe's"livingthedream"whentheybeganconversations
withthestandardquestionsabouthowtheworldistreatinghimandwhathe'sbeendoing.Butthe
veteranHoustonpoliticalstrategistprobablyhasbeenhavingtopinchhimselfquiteabitlatelytobe
certainthatthedreamthat'sbeenunderwayforthepastseveralmonthsisforreal.
BlakemoreisoneinasizeablegroupofRepublicancampaignconsultantswho'vebeen
moonlightingaslobbyistsinbetweenelectionyearssincetheGOPcompleteditsLoneStarState
takeoverbycapturingaTexasHousemajorityadozenyearsagoforthefirsttimeinmorethana
century.ButBlakemoreshouldbefindinghisservicestobeinrecorddemandnowasaseasonal
publicaffairsadvocateasaresultofthecloserelationshipthathehaswithLieutenantGovernor
DanPatrickafterguidinghimtovictoryatthepollslastyearinaracethathe'denteredasa
significantunderdog.
AtatimewhentheAustinlobbyisexperiencinganunprecedentedinfusionofnewtalentinthe
wakeofthebiggestturnovereverhereamongelectedstateofficials,Blakemorehasskyrocketed
intotheupperechelonofthehiredgunslistontheCapitolInsideTexasLobbyPowerRankingsfor
2015.WhileBlakemoreistheonlynewcomerinthetop10onthelistofcontractlobbyistsatthe
statehouseintheearlystagesofthe84thregularsession,he'stheonlymemberofthateliteclub
whoseratingisbasedonfuturepowerpotentialasopposedtoestablishedreputationandrecordof
success.ButBlakemoreistheprimeexampleofamuchlargergroupofpublicaffairsprofessionals
whocanexpectasubstantialbumpinswaythankstoconnectionswithnewlymintedGovernor
GregAbbott,Patrickandtheothermembersinastatewideleadershiplineupthat'sbeenoverhauled
completelyforthefirsttimeinTexasintwodozenyears.
Thehigherstockvaluesthatexperiencedandneophytelobbyistswithtiestothestate'stoptwonew
leaderswillenjoyas2015unfoldswillcomeatsomeexpensetothelobbyprofessionalswho've
beenthebiggestbeneficiariesofRepublicanRickPerry'shistoricrunasthelongestserving
governorinTexashistory.
Lobbyistswho'dprosperedconsiderablyasalliesofPerryorPatrick'spredecessororbothfacethe
challengeofadaptingtothenewdynamicsthatwillbeatplaywiththepassingofthetorchesinside
abeltwaywhereeverythinghadseemedtobeconstantlychangingexcepttheleadershiphierarchy
andthelockthatRepublicansingeneralhavehadonstategovernmentformorethanadecade.
Theelectionseasonfromwhichthenewgovernorandlieutenantgovernoremergedtriumphantly
alsoproducedamoreconservativeLegislaturethatwillcomplicatethebusinessoflobbyingforthe
professionaladvocateswho'dbeenattheirbestwhenDemocratswerestillrunningtheshow.

Theregularsessionthatgotunderwayaboutthreeweeksagowillbeatestofadjustmentand
survivalskillsforthelobbyistswho'vereliedheavilyonRolodexesthataresuddenlyobsolete.The
currentpoliticalclimateatthesametimeappearstobemoreripethaneverforlobbymemberswith
teapartyfriendsandconservativecredentialsthattheyarehopingtoparlayintobusinessprofitsas
longasthewindsareblowingtheirway.LobbyistswithpartisanRepublicanbackgroundslike
WayneHamilton,JordanBerryandStephenKoebelewillbeinpositiontotrytostepuptheirgames
withtheshifttotherightthattheLegislatureandleadershiphastaken.TheSenateinparticular
couldbeagoldminewithPatrickinthedaisandthelargestteapartydelegationeverinthe
Capitol'seastwing.KoebelehasbeenapersonalPatrickfriendwho'sbeenonboardthe
bandwagonfromthestart.HamiltonisaformerTexasGOPexecutivedirectorwho'dbeenan
advisortoPerryinanillfatedWhiteHousebidthreeyearsagowhenheservedasthepointperson
onreligiousralliesandorganizationalsupport.HamiltonwentontobecomeAbbott'scampaign
managerandthatexperiencehaslandedhiminaverysmallgroupofpoliticalconsultantswhoare
rankedonthehiredgunslistforthefirsttimelikeBlakemoreandveteranGOPstrategistTedDelisi.
Themostimposingpotentialobstaclesthatlobbyistswho'vebeeninthemiddleofinternalparty
warfarecouldencounterareillfeelingsandgrudgesthatsomelegislatorsandleadersmaystill
harborafterbeingthetargetofattacksthattheircandidateclientsinitiatedinprimarybattles.You
canaskRepublicanslikeStateSenatorJoanHuffmanandnewTexasAttorneyGeneralKenPaxton
aboutthat.
WhileclosetiestopoliticoswhoareatthetopoftheirgamelikePatrickandAbbottcouldbeacure
allforbadbloodandlingeringwounds,connectionsalonewon'tbeaticketforlongtermsuccessin
abusinessthat'sdestinedtobemoreintenselycompetitiveherethisyearthanit'sbeeninrecent
memory.Thelobbyistswhohopetostillbestandingwhenthecurtaingoesdownonthe2015
sessionorsessionsbetterbebringingtheirAgamestoaworkplacewheretheevolutionofthe
hiredgunlobbyistwithmultipleclientsbeganmorethan30yearsagoinatrendthathas
transformedamidlifespecialitycareerintoafullfledgedindustry.Thenumberofregistered
lobbyistsherewasupbymorethan2percentattheendofDecembercomparedtothesamepoint
intimebeforethelastregularsessionkickedoffin2013andthetotalwilllikelygrowexponentially

http://www.capitolinside.com/members/lobby15main2015.html

THELONGESTSHADOW
NoregisteredAustinlobbyistcan
expecttohaveimpactin2015like
firebreathingconservativeactivist
MichaelQuinnSullivanhashadat
theCapitolsofarthisyear.MQS
hasalreadybeenindirectly

1/7

2/4/2015

TexasLobbyPowerRankings2015

17 GraydonGroup,ExTexas
SenateAide

afterrookieswhoarestillsettingupshopsormeetingthepartnersatboutiquefirmswherethey'llbe
cuttingtheirteethstartaddingtheirnamestotherollsattheTexasEthicsCommission.

StanSchlueter
18 SchlueterGroup,ExState
Representative

Ontopofthechallengethatarapidlyswellingcompetitorpoolwillposefortheyoungsterswhoare
stillverygreenandthegrizzledveteransalike,thejoboflobbyingattheTexasCapitolin2015will
becomplicatedsubstantiallymorebyinherentuncertaintyataplacewherethedynamicswillbe
changinginapotentiallydramaticanddirectcorrelationtothepoliticalcomplexionofthe
Legislatureandtheleadership.ThestateHousethat'salwaysbeenthemoreraucousand
unpredictableofthetwochamberswillbeabouttheonlypartofthebuildingthatoffersanything
remotelyclosetostabilityasfarasthewaysofdoingthingsaredonethistimearound.Whilethe
state'sfirstnewgovernorinthepast14yearsseemspoisedforafirsttermthatdoesn'tfeaturethe
wildgyrationsandfluctuationsthatmarkedtherecordshatteringtenueofpredecessorRickPerry,
Abbottdoesn'tappeartobethekindofleaderwho'lldependasmuchonthelobbyastypical
politiciansdoorbeassuseptibletoitspersuasivepowers.TheSenateontheotherhandwillbe
therealwildcardinaneastwingthatfeaturesthemostconservativefreshmenclassthat'sever
convergedonanylegislativechamberinanystate,anunrivaledlackofoverallexperienceinkey
leadershipstationsandapresidingofficerwho'sthefirstteapartyicontoeveroccupyastatewide
officethathighonthepeckingorderhere.

JayHoward
19 HillCoPartners,SonofEx
StateSenator
20

ChrisShields
TexasStrategyGroup,Ex
AidetoGov.BillClements
andSecretaryofState

21

MarkVane
GardereWynneSewell,
ExTexasHouse
LegislativeDirector

Ted&DeirdreDelisi
DelisiCommunications,
ExTexasTransportation
CommissionChair,Gov.
22
RickPerryChiefofStaff
andCampaignManager,
U.S.SenatorJohnCornyn
Aide
MarkMiner
McGuireWoods,
CommunicationsDirector
23 forGov.RickPerryandLt.
Gov.DavidDewhurst,
VirginiaGov.JimGilmore
andtheRNC
GardnerPate
LockeLord,Campaign
24 GeneralCounseland
DirectorforGov.Greg
Abbott
MindyEllmer
ExStateHouseand
25
SenateAide,ExAideto
GovernorBillClements
KathyHutto
JacksonWalker,Ex
26
SunsetAdvisory
CommissionStaff
RoycePoinsett
BakerBotts,Advisorto
Gov.RickPerry,House
27 SpeakerTomCraddick,
Gov.GeorgeW.Bushand
U.S.Sen.KayBailey
Hutchison
BillyPhenix
TexasCapitolGroup,Ex
28 AidetoGov.RickPerry,
Lt.Gov.BobBullockand
StateSenator
JimGrace
GreenbergTraurig,Former
29 CampaignAdvisor,U.S.
NavyLieutenantand
AfghanistanVeteran
DavidWhite
TexasCapitolGroup,
CampaignAdvisorto
30 ComptrollersGlennHegar
andSusanCombs,Gov.
RickPerryAdvisorand
HouseChiefofStaff
JackErskine
K&LGates,ExCorporate
31 LawyerforAmocoand
Dupont,OilFieldCleanup
FundArchitect
Dean&Andrea
McWilliams
32 ExLegislativeAidesto
Democraticand
RepublicanMembers
JayPropes

That'soneofthemainreasonswhyBlakemorehasagoldenopportunitytocashinonthespoilsof
thevictorythatPatrickmayhavefounddifficultifnotimpossibletoobtainwithouthisadviceand
strategyexpertiseinafieldthatincludedtwodownballotstatewideofficials,awealthyincumbent
whoheunseatedinaprimaryrunoffandaDemocraticcolleagueinthefall.Blakemorealready
representedanumberofHouseandSenateRepublicansandavictoryforclientRyanSittoninan
openTexasRailroadCommissioncontestwasdefinitelygravy.ButBlakemorewillhavedirect
accesstothethroneeastoftherotundaandthere'sspeculationinsomeofthelobby'shighest
circlesthathe'sliningupclientsquicklyasthewordspreadsabouttheheadlineentryonhis
Rolodex.
ButBlakemorewon'tbetheonlyregisteredlobbyistwhocouldbeinlineforabanneryearasa
directresultofteapartytidethatsweptthroughtheGOPprimaryandcrushedeveryDemocratthat
gotinitswayinstatewideracesthatRepublicanssweptin2014justliketheyhadineveryelection
hereinthepast18years.Otherswho'velaboredinthelobbytrenchesasafulltimeprofession
whileBlakemoredesignedcampaigngameplanswillbehopingtocapitalizeonadecidelymore
conservativeLegislaturein2015.
Koebeleisaprimecaseinpointasalobbyistlawyerwho'spliedhistradeundertheradarforthe
mostpartsincemakinghisexitfromthepublicarenawherehe'dbeensomewhatofalightningrod.
Koebele,whobeenatoplegaladvisortoGeorgeW.Bush'sgubernatorialcampaignandCarole
KeetonStrayhorninthecomptroller'soffice,hadbeenoneofPatrick'soriginalsupporterswhenhe
launchedabelatedbidforlieutenantgovernoralmosttwoyearsagointhefaceoflowoddsina
fieldwithmoreaccomplishedcandidatesonpaper.KoebelecametoPatrick'sdefenseasa
personalfriendandpoliticalbackerwhentheheatduringthecampaignhadreachedboilingpoints.
Whilethebigspecialinterestswho'dsupportedincumbentRepublicanDavidDewhursthadpacked
thelatetrainlongbeforePatrickbeatDemocratLeticiaVandePutteinNovember,Koebelehad
neverwaveredwithashowofsupportandloyaltythatalreadyappearstobepayingmajor
dividendsforalobbyistwho'dlaboredinrelativeobscuritycomparedtobiggerlobbynamessince
heleftpublicserviceinthemidstofafurorthathe'dcreated.

responsibleforakneejerk
crackdownonpresscxredentials
andavoteonaTexasHouse
speaker'sracethatthechallenger
hesupportedhadnochance
whatsoevertowin.Sullivanhas
beenspearheadingachargetooust
SpeakerJoeStraussincehisfirst
termwiththegavelin2009and
he'sclaimedthatacomplaintatthe
TexasEthicsCommissionagainst
himwasblatantpoliticalpayback
forthat.Theagencyboardslapped
MQSwithaheftyfinelastyearafter
rulingthathe'dviolatedstatelawby
failingtoregisterasalobbyistin
2010and2011.WhileSullivanhad
signedupofficiallytolobbyduring
everysessionfrom2001to2009,
hearguedthathe'dnolongerbeen
requiredtodosoonthegrounds
thathe'sexemptasajournalist.
Insteadofconcedingdefeatand
gettingbackontheregisteredlobby
rolls,MQSisfightingtheTECorder
inastatedistrictcourtinasuitthat
hefiledinitiallyinTravisCounty
beforeshiftingittoDentonamidthe
assertionthathe'drelocatedthere.
Whatevertheofficialoccupation
andresidencemightbe,theformer
TexasPublicPolicyFoundation
officialhastheundividedattention
ofthosewhohatehimandlovehim
andeitherowehimadebtof
gratitudeorwishthathe'dtakethe
votingrecordscorecardthat'sbeen
akeyweaponandshoveit.

StrayhornhadgivenKoebelethebootfromhisjobasthecomptroller'sgeneralcounselin1999
aftertheTexasDemocraticPartydiscoveredthathe'dbeensecretlytapingtelephoneconversations
atwork.Koebeleresurfacedonthelobbyregistrationrollsin2003aftertheGOPhadseizeda
TexasHousemajoritythathadbeenthefinalpiecetoastategovernmentmonopolyandhe'soffto
anauspiciousstartin2015withalmosttwodozenclientsincludingtheMidlandoilcompanythat's
runbyconservativeactivistdonorTimDunn.WhileKoebelesecondmostpotentiallyvaluablelobby
contractthisyearistheonehehaswithDunn'sCrownQuestOperating,theassociationwiththe
WestTexancouldmakethelobbyistradioactiveasfarasHouseleadersareconcerned.Dunnafter
allhasbeenbankrollingarevoltagainstHouseSpeakerJoeStrausbyteapartyconservaitves.But
Koebele'sconnectionsacrosstherotundahavesecuredhimaspotforthefirsttimeonthelistof
hiredgunsinthebiennialassessmentoflobbycloutattheCapitol.

Thepowerrankingsincludegroupsthataregaugedseparatelyaslobbyteams,lawfirmlobby
practicesandorganizationsthatrepresentprivateprofessionals,publicemployeesandofficialsand
nonprofitinterestsaswell.Theindividualcategoriesaredividedamongformerlegislatorsandstate
agencyleaderswhoarefulltimelobbyistsnowalongwithcorporateexecutiveswhorepresentfull
timeemployersexclusivelyandpoliticalconsultantswhotendtoconcentratemoretimeon
campaignsthanworkingthehallsofthestatehouse.

SomenameslikeBlakemoreandHamiltonappearonmultiplelists.ButBlakemorewouldn'tbe
onthelistthisyearatallifaflurryofpostelectionrumorsabouthisprofessionaloptionshadbeen
onthemark.OneofthehottestlinesofspeculationontheCapitolgrapevineafterthegeneral
electionhadbeenthatBlakemoremightbejoiningPatrick'steaminthelieutenantgovernor'sasa
highrankingofficiallikechiefofstafforcommunicationsdirector.Weneverboughtintothat
particularpieceofconjecture,however,basedonthefieldofrelativelyunplowedcloverthat
Blakemoreseemedfarmorelikelytopursueasapoliticalprowho'sdonequitewellforhimselfas
anindependententrepreneur.Blakemoreisapoliticalconsultantandlobbyistsecondforthetime
beinganywayeventhoughit'spossiblethatcouldchangeifhedoesaswellinAustinduringthe
nextfewmonthsinhisparttimejobasheappearstohaveanopportunitytodo.

SkatersReverseLobbyRevolvingDoor
SpinsCounterClockwiseforSelectFew
WhentheAustinbrotherduoGordonJohnsonandRobertJohnsonreceivedthegreenlighttobeef
uptheTexasCapitollobbyteamtheywereleadingforthecityofHoustonin2005,theyrecruiteda
highpoweredcadreofprofessionalpeersthatfeaturedWalterFisherandRandyErbenatthetopof
thelist.
NooneatthetimecouldhaveimaginedthatErben,FisherandoneoftheJohnsonswouldhave
beenwillingtoputthrivinglobbypracticesonholdinexchangeforrolestheyhavenowasthechief
advisorstothestate'snewlydesignedRepublicanleadershiptriadastheregularsessiongetsoff
thegroundin2015.WhileGordonJohnsonisstillamemberoftheprivatesectorasthepolitical
directorforTexasHouseSpeakerJoeStrausforthepastsixyears,ErbenandFisherarethelatest
examplesoflobbyistswho'vereenteredtherevolvingdoorinreverseasthelegislativedirectorand

http://www.capitolinside.com/members/lobby15main2015.html

2/7

2/4/2015

TexasLobbyPowerRankings2015

33 GraydonGroup,Ex
CongressionalAide,Ex
TradeAssociation
Executive
JayBrown
34 GraydonGroup,Sonof
ExStateSenator
CarlRichie
ExDeputyChiefofStaffto
35 GovernorAnnRichards,
ExTexasEthics
CommissionDirector
EricGlenn
SchlueterGroup,Ex
36 TexasHouseAide,Texas
ConservativeCoalition
ResearchInstituteBoard
TreyBlocker
ExChiefofStaffand
37
GeneralCounseltoState
SenatorCraigEstes
MichelleWittenburg
ExGeneralCounselto
38
HouseSpeakerTom
Craddick
KeithStrama
39 BeattyBangleStrama,Ex
TexasHouseAide
KathyGrant
ExTexasCableTelevision
40 AssociationGovernment
RelationsDirector,Former
TexasHouseAide
MarshaJones
41 HillCoPartners,ExTexas
HouseandSenateAide
J.McCartt
HillCoPartners,ExAideto
41 RickPerryinthe
LieutenantGovernor's
Office
DeniseDavis
DavisKaufman,ExChief
ofStafftoSpeakerJoe
Straus,ExHouse
42
Parliamentarianand
GeneralCounsel,Ex
GeneralCounseltoLt.
Gov.BillRatliff
43

CraigChick
CapitolPartners
Consulting,ExAdvisorto
HouseSpeakerJoeStraus

44

MarioMartinez
MarioMartinez&
Associates,ExAideto
StateRep.TomUher

BradShields
TexasLegislative
45 Associates,ExEanes
SchoolBoard
MarcRodriguez
ExCityofSanAntonio
46 Intergovernmental
RelationsManager,ExSA
ChamberExecutive
BrandonAghamalian
FocusedAdvocacy,Ex
ChiefofStafftoState
47
Sen.KimBrimer,ExFort
WorthPublicAffairs
Director
48

SabrinaThomasBrown
ExTexasHouseaideand
AppropriationsCommittee
Clerk
LisaKaufman
DavisKaufman,ExPolicy
DirectorforSpeakerJoe

senioradvisortoGovernorGregAbbottandLieutenantGovernorDanPatrickrespectively.The
state'sfirstnewgovernorinthepast14yearsalsoturnedtotheTexasCapitalCity'sversionofK
StreetwhenhehiredLuisSaenztobehisappointmentsdirector.

ReverseRevolvingDoor
TopAidestoMajorStateOfficialsWho
HadBeeninPublicServiceBefore
LobbySintsLiistedinAlphabetical
Order

ThelobbyistswhoAbbottandPatrickhaveenlistedforhighrankingrolesontheirnewCapitolstaffs
areespeciallyvaluableasaresultofthemultidimensionalperspectivetheybringaspolitical
professionalswhohadcriticalexperienceinstategovernmentbeforetheycrossedthelineintothe
privatesector.Butthey'regoingclearlyagainstthegrainbytakingthecallofpublicserviceatatime
whenarecordnumberofpotentialfuturecompetitorsareheadingintheoppositedirectionwith
visionsofbecomingassuccessfulintheircareersasprivatepractioneersasFisher,Erbenand
Saenzhadbeenattheirsandprobablywillbeagainatsomepoint.

ReggieBashur
GovernorsGeorgeW.Bush
&BillClementsAdvisor

TheAustinlobbyheadhunterexcursionthatAbbottandPatrickundertookhasshapeduptobea
winwinsituationnonethelesswithinaprofessionwherethecompetitionwillbemoreintensethan
everthisyearinthewakeofthebiggestturnoverinstatewideexecutiveofficesinTexasintwo
dozenyears.

RandyErben
GovernorGregAbbott
LegislativeDirector
NancyFisher
TexasHouseSpeaker
TomCraddickChiefofStaff

Theexodusofthetriowhoarenowworkingforthestate'stwotopnewleadersforstartershas
freedupseveralspotsinthehighestechelonsofthehiredgunlistontheCapitolInsideTexas
LobbyPowerRankingsin2015.Italsomeansthatthereostensibilywillbemoremoneytobemade
bytheveteranandupandcominglobbyistswhoseranksarebeingfloodedwithaninfusionofnew
talentthat'shungryandarmedwithmajorleagueconnections.Whilethelobbyistswho'vetaken
sabaticalswithjobsontheAbbottandPatrickstaffswillbelosinghundredsofthousandsofdollars
inincomeforthetimebeingasstateemployees,theycanexpecttheirstocktobeoffthecharts
whentheyreturntotheindustryeventually.

WalterFisher
LieutenantGovernorDan
PatrickSeniorAdvisor
CliffJohnson
GovernorsRickPerry
&GeorgeW.BushAdvisor

BasedonacumulativereviewoflobbyrecordsattheTexasEthicsCommission,thenumberof
registeredlobbyistsinAustincouldbeslightlyifnotsignificantlyhigherin2015thanit'sbeeninthe
currentcenturyhereifnotever.TheTEChadagrandtotalof1,606individualsontheofficiallobby
rollsbytheendoflastyearcomparedto1,570whenthecurtainfellon2012afewweeksbeforethe
lastregularlegislativesessionheregotunderway.Theregisteredlobbycountatthestateethics
agencyhastypicallygoneupbyabout300inoddnumberedyearswhenregularlegislative
sessionswereheldhere.

RobertHowden
GovernorRickPerryAdvisor
LuisSaenz
GovernorGregAbbott
AppointmentsDirector

ButtheTECtotalsincludeacountlessnumberoflawyersandotherprofessionalswhoregisterto
lobbyeventheywillbedoingsoonalimitedbasisifandwhenclientshavebusinessthatrequire
tripstotheCapitolformeetingswithlegislatorsortelephoneconversationswiththemonoccasional
matters.Thestateagencydoesn'tbreakoutthenumberoflobbyistswhoareprofessionalpublic
advocatesonafulltimebasisregardlessofwhethertheLegislatureisopenforbusinessortaking
timeoffforcampaignseveryotheryear.ThefolkswhoyouseepackedoutsidetheHouseand
SenatechambersbetweenJanuaryandMayandquitepossiblyduringpartorallofthesummerare
theoneswhoqualifyforconsiderationforthebiennialratingsthatwepresenttoyouproudlydayin
awiderangeofcategoriesthatreflectthesystematicalevolutionofanAustinlobbythat'sbecome
increasinglylayeredinthepastseveraldecades.
Intermsofheadcounts,TexashadalmosttwiceasmanyregisteredlobbyiststhanCaliforniaup
untiltheGoldenStateexpandedreportingrequirementsfouryearsagoinamovethatinflatedits
lobbytotalsdramatically.Namesandnumbersalone,however,can'tmeasuretheenormous
amountofinfluencethattheTexaslobbyistswhoplytheirtradehere12monthsayearcanexpectto
wieldoverthecourseofthenextfivemonthsatthemammothpinkgranitebuildingthatcrownsahill
nearthenorthendofCongressAvenueinthenation's11thlargestcity.
Therewillbemorefulltimelobbyistsworkingthehallsofthestatehouseherethisyearasa
consequenceofshakeupshighontheorganizationalchartsateverystateagencythat'sheadedby
anelectedstatewideofficialhere.EverysinglestatewideofficeinTexashasanewbossinthewake
ofthefirstcompleteandtotalturnoveratthatlevelattheballotboxheresince1991when
DemocratsAnnRichardsandBobBullocktookoverinthejobsthatAbbottandPatrickhavenow.
Buteventhoughpublicservicehasproventobeanidealandcommontraininggroundforanever
increasingnumberoflobbyistswho'vebeenelectedofficialsinTexasorworkedforthem,the
numberwho'vemadethetransitionbacktothegovernmentpayrollafterworkingonbothsidesof
thelinelikethehighleveladvisorsthatthestate'stoptwonewleadersbroughtintotheirCapitol
shopsisadropinthebucketcomparatively.
TherelativelypositivereceptionthatAbbottandPatrickreceivedwiththelobbyhiresseemstobea
signthatperceptionsabouttheassociationsbetweenlobbyistsandpoliticalleadershavechanged
inthepastcoupleofdecades.RepublicanGeorgeW.Bushgavehiscriticsanopportunitytohowl
whenhehiredapairofprominentlobbyistswho'dbouncedbetweenthepublicandprivatesectors
beforeheoustedRichardsinthebattleforgovernorherein1994.Bush,who'dneverservedinan
electedofficeuntilthattime,apparentlyfeltthatthevastpoolofinstitutionalknowledgeand
experienceinthetrenchesthatReggieBashurandCliffJohnsonwouldbringtohisadministration
intheearlystageswasworthwhateverheattheirenlistmentmightbring.Bashurhadbeenthepress
secretaryforBillClementsduringasecondterminthelate1980sasthestate'sfirstRepublican
governorsinceReconstruction.JohnsonhadservedintheTexasHouseasaconservative
Democratduringthattime.Whilebothwouldeventuallyreturntothelobbyasplanned,they
continuedtoadvisesomeofthestate'stopleadersafterpartingwayswiththeBushadministration.

DanShelley
GovernorRickPerry
LegislativeDirector
PatriciaShipton
GovernorRickPerry
LegislativeDirector
MikeToomey
GovernorsRickPerry&Bill
ClementsChiefofStaff

PerrypiquedthesuspicionsofhisdetractorsaswellwhenhenamedJohnsonandseveralother
influentiallobbyiststomajorpositionsinhisfirstfewyearasBush'ssuccessor.WhileJohnsonwas
alikeablefigurewho'dservedintheHousewiththestate'sthirdGOPgovernorinmorethana
centurywhenbothwereruralDemocrats,PerryfoundhishiringofaformerRepublicanHouse
colleaguewho'dbecomeasuccessfullobbyisttobeafarmorecontroversialchoice.MikeToomey,
theexlegislationinquestion,hadbeenoneofthemostoutspokenandaggressiveconservativesin
alowerchamberthatDemocratsstillruledbeforehesteppeddownfromtheelectedposttobecome
Clements'chiefofstaffwhenBashurwasinchargeofthepressoffice.ButToomeyunlikethelion's
shareoflobbyistswhobecamepoliticalindependentsforthemostpartasafunctionofoccupational
necessityhadbolsteredhiscredentialsasapartisanRepublicanasabehindthescenesarchitect
oftheTexasHousetakeover12yearsagothatgaveRepublicanstheirfirstmajorityandspeakerin
theCapitol'swestwinginmorethan130years.WhileToomey'stenureasoneofPerry'sfirstchiefs
ofstaffinthegovernor'sofficewastumultuousattimes,heseemedtofareaswellifnotbetterafter
hisreturntotheAustinlobbyworldwherehe'sbeenoneofthemostpowerfulmemberseversince.
Inabusinesswherelobbyistsareoftenviewedinanunflatteringlightlikelawyers,journalistsand
politiciansthemselves,Abbottcouldn'tbecertainwhatthepublicreactionmightbetothedecision
thathe'dmadetobringErbenandSaenzonboardintheinfantstagesofagubernatorialstintthat
beganabouttwoweeksago.TheAbbottlobbyhireshadthepotentialtodrawtheireofDemocrats
basedonsimilarpoliticalbackgroundsasformerassistantsecretariesofstateunderseparate
Republicangovernors.Thatwouldn'tbodethatwellforanincomingGOPgovernorwhostartedhis

http://www.capitolinside.com/members/lobby15main2015.html

3/7

2/4/2015

TexasLobbyPowerRankings2015

49 Straus,ExGeneral
CounseltoStateSenator
RobertDuncan,ExTexas
CivilJusticeLeague
Official
MarkBorskey
ExDeputyLegislative
50 DirectorforGov.Rick
Perry,ExTexasHouse
Aide
NoraDelBosque
ExStateHouseAideand
51
AppropriationsCommittee
Clerk
52

BillPewitt
BillPewitt&Associates,
TexasComputerIndusty
CouncilFounder

53

EricWright
CongressAvenue
Partners,ExChiefofStaff
toLt.Gov.BillRatliff

54

GilbertTurrieta
ExHoustonChamber,
TMAOfficialandLBB
Examiner

newjobwithavowtobeabipartisanleader.ButPatrickplayedhishandfirstwhenheannounced
thehiringofFisherinamovethatbusinessestablishmentRepublicansandDemocratshadtofind
refreshingforanewlieutenantgovernorwho'drunfarthertotherightthananyonewho'dheldthe
jobbeforehim.Fisheralternatedbetweenthepublicandprivatesectorsoverthecourseofalong
careerthatincludedstintsastheTexasMunicipalLeague'schieflobbyistbeforeservingasthestate
SenateparliamentarianunderBullocktheDemocratandthethreeRepublicanswhofollowedhimin
thelieutenantgovernor'soffice.Fisheranaffablepersonalitywithanenclyopedicunderstandingof
legislativeprocedurewaswidelyviewedasasignthatPatrickwantedtokeephisadminstration
fromgoingtoofaroffthetracksafterunprecedentedconservativeposturingasacandidateand
duringhisfirsttwoweeksonthenewjob.
AsfarasthehundredsofotherpublicadvocateswhoarefulltimelobbyistsattheCapitolgo,their
averageindividualworthandcombinedvalueshouldbehigherthaneverasthe2015regular
sessionprogressesinlargepartasaresultoftheuncertaintythattheleadershipchangeshave
created.TheLegislatureasawholeandtheSenateinparticulararesubstantiallymore
conservativeonpapernowthanthey'vebeenatanypointintheGOPerahere.Allofthetrue
SenatefreshmenandquiteafewfirsttermHouseRepublicanswonticketstoAustinonthestrength
ofthesupportthey'dsecuredfromteapartyconservativeswho'vemadebigspecialinterestsa
populartargetforcriticism.BusinessforceswillbekeepingtheirfingerscrossedonPatrickasanew
leaderwhotheyareregardingasunpredictableatbestintheearlygoing.Thatinturnwillmakethe
jobmorechallengingforlobbyistswho'dbecomeaccustomedtorelativelymoderateruleatthe
Capitolunderbothofthepoliticalpartiesthathavecontrolledtheplace.Buttheaddedcompetition
couldmakethelobbyprofessionheremorecomplicatedaswellasyoungcougarsbattleoldlions
forapieceofapiethat'salwayslimitednomatterhowbigitbecomes.

HiredGuns

WayneHamilton
SanJacintoPublicAffairs,
ExAdvisortoGov.Rick
55
Perry,ExTexas
RepublicanParty
ExecutiveDirector

Thelobbyisoneofthemostdifficultprofessionstoenterwithanyrealistichopesofsuccessand
thepoliticalprofessionalswhoareabletoactuallymakereallivingsaslobbyistsareoftenformer
lawmakersandotherelectedofficialswho'vebeentrainedforthejobasthetargetsoflobbying.
Mostofthelobbyistswho'veneverheldelectedofficehaveusuallyworkedinhighlevelcapacities
forbosseswhohave.Governmentexperienceisanaboluteprerequisiteandconnectionsthatare
gleanedfromitarenecessarytoolsofthetradeforthosewhohopetosurvive.

MichaelGrimes
ImperiumPublicAffairs,
ExChiefofStafftoState
56
SenatorChrisHarris,Ex
Gov.GeorgeW.Bush
Aide

BreakingintothebusinessintheTexasCapitalCityiscomplicatedallthemorebythefactthatthe
turnoverisminimalatbestandthathelpsexplainwhythelion'sshareofnamesontheCapitol
Insidehiredgunscontractlobbyistlistmightseemmightyfamiliar.tothespecializedaudiencethat's
readingthis.

TrentTownsend
ImperiumPublicAffairs,
ExChiefofStafftoState
57
SenatorKirkWatson,Ex
LegislativeDirectorfor
StateSenatorKimBrimer
JimDow
CrossOakGroup,Ex
Texas20/20PACDirector,
58 ExTexasHouseAide,Ex
ObamaWhiteHouse
OfficeofPublic
Engagement
ShayneWoodard
ExChiefofStaffto
RailroadCommissioner
59 BarryWilliamson,ExAide
toStateSenatorBillSims
andStateRep.David
Counts
FrankSantos
SantosAlliances,Ex
60 NationalHispanicCaucus
ofStateLegislators
Consultant,ExHouseAide
JodyRichardson
61 AllenBooneHumphries
Robinson,ExTVReporter
SnapperCarr
FocusedAdvocacy
62 GeneralCounsel,Ex
TexasMunicipalLeague
Counsel
DeborahIngersoll
63 LegislativeSolutions,Key
Fundraiser
64

JoeGarcia
TexasCapitolGroup,Ex
ChiefofStafftoState
SenatorEddieLucio
ChrisHosek

ThelobbyquartetthatcrownsthehiredgunlistNealT."Buddy"Jones,MikeToomey,RustyKelley
andBillMesserhaveallbeenrankedamongthetopfourforanentiredecade.Theonlythingthat's
changedonthetoprungsoftheladderistheorderinwhichthosefourhavebeenlistedinthe
biennialrankingsthathadbeenpublishedonanannualbasisintheearlystages.
JonesanattorneywhoservedintheTexasHouseintheearly1980sasaconservativeDemocrat
fromHillsboroisrankedfirstthistimearoundjustlikehewastwoyearsagoforacoupleofvery
simplereasons.AformerBaylorUniversityboardofregentschairman,Jonesisthecaptainofthe
numberonelobbyteamatthestatehouseintermsofcumulativetalent,clientlistsandthe
coordinationofindividualskillsandspecialtyexpertiseinagroupwithacorebasethat'sremained
intactessentiallylongerthanalmostifnotallofthecompetitorfirmshavebeeninbusiness.The
folkswhohireJoneslikeDallasCowboysownerJerryJonesandH.E.B.bossCharlesButtget
HillCoPartnersaspartofthepackage.
ToomeyandMesser,whobothhappentobeformerstaterepresentativeswithlawdegreesaswell,
havebeenworkingintandemandseparatelyformostofthepastdecadeasthebiggestnamesina
prizecollectionofpoliticalprofessionalsthat'smorelooselyconnectedthanthecompetitionat
HillCo.TheTexasLobbyGroupthattheyconceivedadozenyearsagohasbeentheunofficial
centerpiecefortheTexasCapitolGroupthatincludesseveralmorelobbyistsandcommunications
expertswhoaren'tregisteredtolobby.ToomeyandMesserhavebothbeenrankedfirstonthehired
gunslistattimesinthepastdueinsignificantparttothecloserelationshipstheyhadwithRickPerry
andTomCraddickrespectivelywhentheywereservingasthegovernorandTexasHousespeaker.
WhilethecurtaindroppedlastmonthonPerry'shistoricstintasthelongestservinggovernorin
Texashistory,Toomeyhasn'tappearedtoloseanyofthecompetitiveedgeorcloutthathewields
asalobbystthankstoasignificantdegreetohislongtimeassociationwiththeTexansforLawsuit
Reform.ButtheclosestthingthatToomeyhashadtoaliabilityinthelobbyhasbeenanimageasa
partisanRepublicanwhohadamajorroleintheoverthrowofDemocratsfrompowerintheTexas
Housewherehe'dservedasamemberoftheminoritypartinthelate1980s.Andtherearetimes
whenthat'sprobablyproventobemoreofanassetthananobstaclebasedonthesuccesshe's
enjoyedasapublicaffairsadvocateoffandonforthepast20yearsormore.Jonesontheother
handhasbeentheultimatebipartisanlobbyistextraordinareataCapitolwherehe'shadthesame
highlevelofswayregardlessofthepartyinpower.TheHillCobosshasaslightedgeoverToomey
asaresultinthecompetitionforthepinnaclespotonthehiredgunschart.
Blakemore,theDanPatrickcampaignadvisor,istheonlynewcomeramongthe10highestraniked
hiredgunsandtheverdictisstilloutonwhetherhewillbeabletostaythereuntilandafterthe
currentlieutenantgovernorhasmovedon.Almostalloftheothercontractlobbyistswhoareranked
inamongthetop25havebeentherebeforeandthat'satestamenttohowdifficultitistoachievea
ratingthathighinthefirstplace.
SomeofthemostnotableAlistadditionsarepeoplewhograduatedfromtherisingstarslistin2013
torelativelyloftyhiredgunstatusthistimearound.ThatgroupincludesMarkMinerandDavidWhite
pairofRepublicanoperativeswho'dhadmajorrolesattheCapitolandonthecampaigntrailfor
someofthestate'shighestrankingcurrentandformerstatewideofficials.Whiteatopadvisorto
SusanCombsinherrolesasthestatecomptrollerandascandidateforthepostservedas
RepublicanGlennHegar'scampaignmanagerduringhissuccessfulbidforthejobin2014.
MinerwasinthenewsonaregularbasisforseveralyearsasPerry'spresssecretaryattimesand
campaignspokespersoninracesforgovernorandpresident.Miner'sstockasalobbyisthadbeen
ontheupswingbeforeitreceivedanadditionalbumpwhenAbbotthiredhismainlobbypartner,
LuisSaenz,tobehisfirstappointmentsdirectorinthegovernor'soffice.

http://www.capitolinside.com/members/lobby15main2015.html

4/7

2/4/2015

TexasLobbyPowerRankings2015

TexasStarAlliance,Ex
65
ChiefofStafftoElizabeth
AmesJonesattheTexas
RailroadCommissionand
TexasHouse

ThehiredgunlistforthefirsttimefeaturesacoupleofotherformerPerryadvisorsTedDelisiand
DeirdreDelisiwhoarelistedtogetherinahighspotonthelistasaresultofthecommonbonds
theyshareasahusbandandwifewhoarelobbypartnersaswell.ThefemalehalfoftheDelisiduo
hadservedasachiefofstateforPerrybeforeheappointedhertotheTexasTransportation
Commissionthatsheendedupchairingthroughouthertenureonit.

GavinMassingill
ExChiefofStafftoState
66 RepresentativeCharlie
Geren

AustinattorneyGardnerPateamemberofthelobbyteamattheLockeLordlawfirmhasmade
theleapfromarisingstartoahiredgunwhosevaluehassoaredaswellinlightofhisroleasa
directorandchieflegaladvisorforAbbott'swinninggubernatorialcampaignin2014.

CarolMcGarah
67 Blackridge,ExTexas
SenateAide
68

MichaelJohnson
ExBlackridge,Brotherof
MajorGOPConsultant
RobJohnson

TristanTrisCastaeda
LongbowPartners,Ex
69 Asst.AttorneyGeneral,
ExAidetoSAMayor
HenryCisneros
ShannonSwan
70 GraydonGroup,ExTexas
HouseChiefofStaff
EricWoomer
CongressAvenue
Partners,ExChiefofStaff
toStateSenatorsKel
71
Seliger,TeelBivinsand
MarioGallegos,ExU.S.
Sen.KayBaileyHutchison
Advisor
NancyFisher
ExChiefofStaffto
SpeakerTomCraddick,
72
ExTexasRacing
CommissionExecutive
Director
KwameWalker
McGuireWoods,Ex
73 LegislativeDirectorand
GeneralCounseltoState
SenatorRoyceWest
EddieSolis
HillCoPartners,Ex
SpecialAssistantatthe
74 TexasComptroller's
Office,ExTexas
MunicipalRetirement
SystemOfficial
75

MignonMcGarry
ExStateSenateAide
CurtisFuelberg

76

ExTexasAssociationof
RealtorsOfficial,ExAideto
SpeakerGusMutscher

JoeyBennett
77 ExPublicStrategies
Lobbyist
MikeMeroney
ExU.S.SenateAideand
78 CongressionalCampaign
Staffer
JenniferRodriguez
McGuireWoods,Daughter
79
ofExStateLegislatorand
GubernatorialAdvisor
RichardEvans
TexasLobbySolutions,
ExDeputyLegislative
80
DirectorforGov.George
Bush,ExStateSenate
ChiefofStaff
81

DrewCampbell
ExDallasAutomobile
DealersAssociation
Official
StephenKoebele
TexasCounsel,Ex

Thelistofhiredgunlobbyistswho'vevaultedthehighestfromtheirpositionsonthecharttwoyears
agoincludesMindyEllmer,aveteranstatehouseprofessionalwho'shadaclosepersonal
relationshipforyearswiththepowerfulchairmanoftheTexasHouseAdministrationCommittee.
ThecommitteebossinquestionRepublicanStateRep.CharlieGerenofFortWorthhasbeen
oneofSpeakerJoeStraus'toplieutenantssinceheandseveralotherGOPcolleaguesputhimin
positiontowintheleadershipposteightyearsago.
Someoftheotherhiredgunswhosevaluealsohasjumpedconsiderablyinthenewrankings
installmentincludetheGarderelawfirmduoofMarkVaneandRoycePoinsett,GraydonGroup
membersJayPropesandJayBrownandothercontractlobbyistslikeTreyBlocker,KeithStrama,
KathyGrant,MarioMartinez,MichaelGrimesandTrentTownsend.

RisingStars
Thelistoflobbyrookieswithstarpotentialmaybemoreloadedwithtalentandrelevantexperience
in2015thanit'sbeeninthepast.Buttheunprecedenteddiversitythattherisingstarschartfeatures
thistimearoundisarguablyitsmostintriguingandsignificantaspectintermsofapotential
barometerforthefutureofthelobbyhere.
Anunprecedentedturnoverinstatewideandlegislativeofficescombinedhasallbutguaranteed
thatthecompetitionwillbeatarecordlevelintermsofbothqualityandquantity.Buttherisingstars
listin2015betterreflectsthestate'soverallpopulationthanthelobbyherehasinyearspastasan
industrythat'sbeendominatedbywhitemales.Nineofthe10highestrankedlobbynewcomerson
therisingstarslistareeitherwomenorHispanicormembersofethnicminoritiesorboth.Thelist's
complexionmirrorsthestate'soverallforthemostpartwiththreeHispanicsandoneAfrican
Americanrankedinthetop10.Elevenofthe20risingstarsthisyeararefemales.
TherisingstarslistbeginswithCarrieSimmonsandAmyMatthewsapairofformerCapitolaides
whohaveembarkedinbuddinglobbycareersondifferentpaths.Simmonshasbeendeeply
involvedinstatehousepoliticalwarringasrecentformerexecutivedirectoroftheTexasHouse
RepublicanCaucusandacharterofficerfortheproGOPgroupthatsprouteduplastyearunderthe
bannerofRedStateWomen.AformeraidetoStateSenatorLarryTaylor,aFriendswood
Republicanwho'schairingtheSenateEducationCommitteethisyearforthefirsttime,Simmonswill
haveahalloffamelevellobbyistasamentorinhernewprofessionasanewmemberofMike
Toomey'steamattheTexasLobbyGroup.Simmons'affiliationwiththefirmthatBillMesserand
ToomeycofoundedalsowillgiveherachancetolearntheropesofthetradefromLaraKeel,a
highlyrespectedlobbyistwho'soneofthegroup'schartermembersanddoublingastheRedState
Women'spresidentaswell.
MaxwelltheoriginalchiefofstaffforTexasRailroadCommissionerDavidPorterisoperating
independentlyassomeonewhoplanstorepresentclientsintheoilandgasindustryasalobbyist
andlawyeraswell.Maxwellpickedupsomevaluableexperienceseveralyearsagoduringafairly
briefstintwiththeLockeLordlawfirm'slobbyshop.Butshe'dfocussedprimarilyonpublicservice
asaformeraidetoRepublicansDavidDewhurstandCaroleKeetonStrayhorninthelieutenant
governor'sofficeandcomptroller'sofficerespectivelybeforehelpingPortermakethetransitionto
stategovernmentasthemanagerofhisstaffattheagencythatregulatestheenergyindustryhere.
Maxwelldecidedtospecializeasalobbyistinanareathatshe'sbeenaroundmostofherlifeasa
Kilgorenativewhosefather,grandfatherandgreatgrandfathersallmadetheirlivingsintheEast
TexasOilField.
TheupandcomerslistincludesMicahRodriguezaformerstateSenateaidewho'llhavefivestar
tutelageaswellasanewmemberoftheBlackridgelobbyshopthatRustyKelleyruns.Kelleyhas
beenoneofthemostsuccessfullobbyistswhenitcomestobipartisanpersuasionandlonglasting
successthathasn'tbeenaffectedbytheCapitolconversionfromDemocrattoRepublican.
Rodriguez,aformerSenateHispanicCaucusexecutivedirectorwhoworkedforDemocratsCarlos
UrestiandJohnWhitmireintheupperchamber,appearstohavewhatitwilltaketoworkbothsides
ofthepartisandividinglineasalobbyist.
ColinParrishrankshighonthelistofrisinglobbystarsaswellasaformerRickPerrypolicyadvisor
inthegovernor'sofficeafterstintsasaTexasTransportationCommissionofficialandchiefofstaffto
GOPStateRep.WayneSmith.JamieDudensingandAmyDeWeese,whoworkedastopaidesto
DewhurstandRepublicanStateRep.KennethSheetsrespectively,areratedinthetopthirdofthe
lobbyfreshmenclassaswellin2015asrepresentativesexclusivelyattheCapitolfortheTexas
AssociationofHealthPlansandAtmosEnergyrespectively.
A,J.BinghamanattorneywhoadvisedtheTexasHouseStateAffairsCommitteebeforeentering
thelobbyandeventuallystartinghisownfirmisoneoftwoAfricanAmericansontherisingstars
listthisyearalongwithLockeLordlawfirmmemberJeriBrooksofHouston.

FormerLegislators&AgencyOfficials
Themostprominentnewnamesonthelistofexstatelawmakerswho'veenteredthelobby
professioninrecentmonthsincludeformerTexasSenatorsKenArmbristerandToddStaplesand
formerleadHousebudgetwriterJimPitts.
Staples,whoservedtwotermsasthestateagriculturecommissionerafteradozenyearsinthe
SenateandHousecombined,signedonasthechieflobbyistfortheTexasOil&GasAssociation
afteranunsuccessfulbidforlieutenantgovernorin2014.Stapleshastakenoverasthegroup's
presidentatatimewhentheindustryhasbeeninastateofrollercoasterfluctuationsthathave
beendrivienmostrecentlybyasharpdropinoilprices.
PittsthetwinbrotherofTexasStarAlliancelobbygroupleaderJohnPittsisteamingwithformer
HouseAppropriationsCommitteedirectorAmyPetersoninapublicaffairsfirmthat'sjustgettingoff
theground.ARepublicanwhoservedintheHousefor22yearsbeforeoptingagainstareelection

http://www.capitolinside.com/members/lobby15main2015.html

5/7

2/4/2015

TexasLobbyPowerRankings2015

GeneralCounselto
82 ComptrollerCaroleKeeton
Strayhorn,ExAssistant
GeneralCounseltoGov.
GeorgeW.Bush
83

84

SusanRoss
ExTexasDental
AssociationPublicAffairs
Director
JamesClark
ExJohnSharpCampaign
ManagerandJimMattox
CampaignAide

RobertCulley
85
ExLegislativeAide
ShayneWoodard
ExChiefofStaffto
RailroadCommissioner
86 BarryWilliamson,ExAide
toStateSenatorBillSims
andStateRep.David
Counts
StephanieGibson
TexasLegislative
87 Associates,ExTexas
RetailersAssociationVice
President
WayneHamilton
SanJacintoPublicAffairs,
ExAdvisortoGov.Rick
88
Perry,ExTexas
RepublicanParty
ExecutiveDirector
RonHinkle
ExTexasDepartmentof
89 EconomicDevelopment
Official,ExTexasHouse
SergeantatArms
ChuckRice
ChuckRiceGroup,Ex
90 StateSenateAideand
TexasHospital
AssociationOfficial
91

JackRoberts
ExDeputyComptroller

ScottGilmore
GovBizPartners,ExTexas
HouseChiefofStaff,
92
SenateandCongressAide
andHouseSergeantat
Arms
RobertHowden
ExTexasTaxReform
CommissionStaffDirector,
93
ExCommunications
DirectorforGov.Rick
Perry
94

MichaelJewell
StratusPolicyGroup,
CorporateLawyerand
LegislativeLobbyist

MarshallKenderdine
ExHouseAppropriations
95 CommitteeAnalyst,Ex
TexasHouseCampaign
ManagerandSenateAide
RobertPeeler
LongbowPartners,Ex
96 StateSenateChiefofStaff
andAidetoGov.George
Bush
BrettFindley
97 LongbowPartners,Ex
StateSenateChiefofStaff
ChrisHeckman
98 ExDeputyChiefofStaffto
Gov.RickPerry
WillYarnell
99 ExChiefAdvisortoTexas

bidin2014,Pittschairedthebudgetpanelinthelowerchamberduringfouroutofthepastfive
regularsessions.He'dbeenGOPSpeakerJoeStraus'mostpowerfulallyintheCapitol'swestwing
beforethetransitionbacktotheprivatesector.
ArmbristerinamovethatshowshowsmalltheTexaslobbyworldcanbeattimeshasgoneto
workatJohnPitts'firmatthestartofacareerasalobbyistthatseemslongoverdueconsideringthe
factthathesteppeddownfromtheSenatethesameyearthatStaplestookoverasthestatefarm
chiefin2007.
Armbrister,whoservedintheLegislaturetwoyearslongerthanJimPitts,islaunchingalobbystint
belatedlyaftertakingadetourforeightyearsasPerry'slegislativedirectorinthegovernor'soffice.
VeryfewlobbyistsfromAustintoWashingtonandeverystatecapitalinbetweenseemedtobecut
outforthejobmorethanArmbristerintermsofpersonality,experienceandinstitutionalknowledge
assomeonewho'darguablybeenoneofthemosteffectivelegislatorshereever.
Mostoftheotherformerlawmakersonthelisthadafewyearsofexperienceaslobbyistsundertheir
beltsbythetimethe2015regularsessionopenedforbusinesslastmonth.
TwoofthehighestrankingformerstateagencyofficialswholobbyTomSuehsandRobertScott
aremembersoftheTexasStarAlliancefirmthat'srankedamongthetopfivelobbyteams.Suehs
andScottservedasthestate'shealthandeducationcommissionersrespectivelybeforebeginning
lobbycareers.
DanPearsonaformerdeputycomptrollerwholedthestateagencythatoverseesenviornmental
issueshasbeenaperennialfigurehighonthelistoflobbyistwho'dheadedgovernmental
agenciesinTexas.PearsonisaveteranlobbyistatthenumberonerankedlobbyteamHillCo
Partners.

Teams&Groups
Thelobbyistteamsandlawfirmlobbyshoplistshaven'tchangedmuchatornearthetopinthepast
fewyears.It'snocoincidencethatthethreetoplobbyteamsHillCo,theTexasLobbyGroup(on
whichtheTexasCapitolGrouprevolves)andthesmallerbutpotentfirmBlackridgeareallledby
thesamelobbyistswho'verankedamongthetopfouronthehiredgunslistthroughoutthepast
decade.
ThetoprankedlawfirmlobbypracticeatHoustonbasedLockeLordisstillcrowningtheparticular
listthatit'stoppedformostifnotallofthepast10years.TheAustinlobbyteamattheGarderelaw
firmhasstrengtheneditsholdonthesecondspotonthislistafteraddingsomemusclewiththe
enlistmentofRoycePoinsett.VeteranGarderelobbyistMarkVaneandPoinsettbothappear
relativelyhighonthehiredgunslistaswell.
TheTexasCapitolteamattheinternationallawfirmGreenbergTraurigranksaveryclosethirdafter
addingHoustonlawyerJimGracetoitsranksinthepastyear.GraceandPoinsetthadbothworked
aslobbyistsfortheBakerBottsfirmbeforeitdecidedtogetoutofthelobbyingbusinessatthestate
levelinTexas.
RobertMiller,wholeadstheLockeLordlobbygroupattheCapitolhere,isthehighestrankedhired
gunlobbyistwho'samemberofalawfirmwithateamthatmaintainsahighpresenceatthe
statehouseinAustin.Millerhasstressedtheteamworkapproachmorethanotherleadersoflawfirm
lobbygroupswhosememberstendtoworkmoreindependentlyandautonomouslyeventhough
theyhavethesameemployerandshareofficespace.
TheLockeLordteamcanexpecttoflexmoremusclethaneverthisyearinlightofakeyrolethat
MillerplayedinnewLieutenantGovernorDanPatrick'sfundraisingeffortsandlobbycolleague
GardnerPate'srecentexperienceasthechiefoutsidelegaladvisorforGovernorGregAbbott's
campaignin2014.
TheMcGuireWoodsteaminAustinremainshighonthelawfirmlobbyshoplistdespitethe
temporaryexitthatLuisSaenzhasmadewithadecisiontosignasAbbott'sfirstappointments
directorinthegovernor'soffice.ButMarkMinerwillbemovingintotheleadroleatMcGuireWoods,
whichlostakeyleaderbutgainedanextremelyvaluableconnectionwithSaenz'sshifttothepublic
sectorinamovethatwillmakethefirm'sgrouphereevenstrongerifandwhenhereturns
eventuallyasexpected.

PrivateSectorProfessionals
Twoofthemostnotablerevisionsonthelistoflobbyistswhoarefulltimecorporateemployeesare
theelevationsofKellieDuhrandDyaCamposintohighspotsonthechartasinhouse
representativeshereforWalmartandtheSanAntoniobasedH.E.B.grocerychainrespectively.
ButwhiletheAustinbasedlobbyistsforAT&TandCenterPointEnergyremainintheirfamiliarspots
asthetwohighestrankedcorporateinhouseadvocates,KarenSteakleyismakingawhopping
debutonthisparticularlistinthenumberthreeslotasthepointpersonhereforthemaverickcar
makerTesla.
WithTeslalaunchingafullcourtpresstochangeTexaslawthatitseesasanobstaclehere,the
companythat'smakingvehiclesthatrunonelectricityorbatterypowerhasassembledahigh
poweredteamofAustinlobbyistsasformidablereinforcemetsforSteakley.
Asaresultofthebattlethat'sshapingupovertheTeslaoffensiveandseparatefightsthaterupted
twoyearsagobetweencarmanufacturersandthebusinessesthatsellthefinishedgoods,the
TexasAutomobileDealersAssociationhasmovedupintothehigherrealmsofthelistof
professionalorganizationsthatlobbyatthestatehousehere.
Withtheenergyindustryexpectedtoseeklegislativehelpamidadownturnbroughtonbytheoil
pricedecline,theTexasOil&GasAssociationthat'scommonlyreferredtoasTXOGAandtheTexas
IndependentProducers&RoyaltyOwnersgroupthat'scalledTIPROforshorthavejumpedto
higherspotsontheprofessionalassociationrankingsfor2015.TXOGA'shiringofformerAgriculture
CommissionerToddStaplesasitsnewpresidentshouldbeamomentumboosterforthegroupata
criticaltimefortheindustry.

TheBestoftheRestthatWeMissed

http://www.capitolinside.com/members/lobby15main2015.html

6/7

2/4/2015

TexasLobbyPowerRankings2015
HouseDemocrat

100

GeraldValdez
ExTexasDepartmentof
EconomicDevelopment
Official

Asaprojectthatwaspublishedinitiallyonthesamedayinearly2003thatCapitolInsidemadeits
debutontheInternet,thelobbyrankingshasmushroomedintoamonstrousundertakingduringthe
past12years.Accidentalomissionsareinevitableasaconsequenceandweapologizein
advanceforfailingtoincludeeveryonewho'sworthyofmentionhere.Thatwouldbelesslikelyto
occur,however,ifwe'dknownabouttheindividualsandgroupswhodeservedtoberankedbut
haven'tbeen.Sothisisatwowaystreetandpleasefeelfreetocallittoourattentionifyouthink
you'vebeenunjustlyleftout.

Copyright20032015CapitolInside

http://www.capitolinside.com/members/lobby15main2015.html

7/7