In early 2008, Democrats scored three special election takeovers, winning the House seats left vacant by retiring Republicans Dennis Hastert (Ill.) and Richard Baker (La.), and Roger Wicker (Miss.). There was another common thread here: Hastert and Baker left to become lobbyists, and Wicker left his seat in order to fill the vacancy left open by Trent Lott‘s lobbying-induced early retirement. All three of those lawmakers called it quits before January 1, 2008, when the new lobbying restrictions went into effect, meaning they only have to wait one year–not two–to lobby their former colleagues (they already can lobby the other chamber and the federal agencies).
Three Republicans cashed out in late 2007, and three Democrats won their House seats.
Today, I noticed that former Rep. Jim Saxton, R-N.J., has started his own lobbying shop with two clients. Saxton was a senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee, and one of his clients is a defense contractor. Saxton announced his retirement in late 2007, citing health problems. Democratic State Sen. John Adler was already in the race as a strong candidate, and sure enough Adler won the open-seat contest.
Add to this list Rep. Jim Walsh, R-N.Y., who is now lobbying at K&L gates and whose Syracuse seat is now held Democrat Dan Maffei, and you have four House seats (Republicans won back Baker’s seat) Democrats now have thanks to GOPers cashing out.
