Washington, DC — Not a cheap name drop, but have to mention because it was so interesting: While having lunch at the white house mess yesterday with a senior Bush aide, the John Boehner second ballot victory over the favored Roy Blunt occurred.
Within seconds, blackberries vibrated throughout the small dining room — and what had seemed more jovial social banter among diners became more hushed and serious, as some of the most powerful people in Washington quickly evaluated the new landscape, and who’s up and who’s down. A total change in mood and energy, which was fascinating, as well as logical.
The Washington Post’s excellent political blog, the Fix, then immediately explored the winners and losers. Besides noting that GOP Reps. Jim McCrery (LA), Tom Latham (IA) and Melissa Hart (PA), among others, a discussion today in town centers upon which consultants and lobbyists stand to benefit. Among lobbyists, Henry Gandy, for one, and communications consultant Terry Holt — an old Boehner aide who, just so happens, JUST started his own shop, Holt Strategies, two weeks ago.
Having advised Boehner throughout the leadership contest, can one imagine a better way to open the doors of your new DC consulting firm? Sweet…