Lieberman to represent Libyan politician — Brown upped to partner at 38 North — Terps get a lobbyist — Talking turkey lobbying Presented by American Academy of Dermatology Association

By Byron Tau

With Andrea Drusch


LIEBERMAN TO REPRESENT LIBYAN POLITICIAN: Former Sen. Joe Lieberman will be working for Basit Igtet on a government relations contract. Igtet is a Libyan businessman and activist who is exploring a run for office in his native country. Lieberman’s firm Kasowitz Benson Torres & Friedman has signed a contract with Igtet that includes "government relations services, communication of information to the principal and as well as [communication of] information about the principal to interested persons in the public sector," according to public documents posted online this week. Such communication will include "meetings with members of Congress, executive branch officials and others." Igtet rose to political prominence in 2010 with his efforts to foster a rebellion against then-Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi. He eventually served as a special envoy to the Libyan National Transitional Council. Lieberman, his former chief of staff Clarine Nardi Riddle and Mark Heilbrun are listed on the contract for Kasowitz Benson. Lieberman — who left office in January — cannot personally lobby members of Congress until 2015. The FARA contract is here: http://1.usa.gov/1eA9KaZ

FLASHBACK: Hartford Courant, Dec. 11, 2012: “Asked by a reporter if he intends to become a lobbyist, Lieberman said, ‘No, I'm not going to do that.’” http://bit.ly/1ifn1KR

BROWN UPPED TO PARTNER AT 38 NORTH: Government relations firm 38 North Solutions has promoted Isaac Brown to partner. Brown started as a director with 38 North and was made a full partner within six months of his hire. He joins founding partners Patrick Von Bargen, Katherine Hamilton and Jeff Cramer. The firm — which spun out of QGA Public Affairs — works on clean energy and innovation issues for clients. 38 North also recently moved into new offices near Union Station. Recent new clients include Sustainability Accounting and Standards Board and MIOX Corporation, for whom the team will provide strategic counsel. "We are pleased that Isaac will be joining us as a principal," said Von Bargen in a statement. "Our client base is growing every day; Isaac's experience is invaluable to meeting those needs."

GOOD WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON where it’s the 174th anniversary of the American Statistical Society. Founded in Boston in November of 1839, it’s the second oldest professional association in the United States. The first? The American Philosophical Society.

That’s all for us this week — we’re off Thursday and Friday. PI wishes all our readers on K Street, Capitol Hill and beyond safe travels, a fantastic Thanksgiving and a happy Hanukkah. PI’s favorite Thanksgiving side dishes: scalloped potatoes, sausage stuffing and green bean casserole. Send your lobbying news, gossip, tips, scoops and favorite Thanksgiving sides to [email protected]. And keep up with PI on Twitter by following @ ByronTau or @ PoliticoPI.

TERPS GET A LOBBYIST: The state of Maryland has hired Davenport McKesson Corporation to lobby on behalf of the University of Maryland. The school is advocating for the expansion of the EB-5 visa program to attract foreign investment to the state. U of M has spent $45,000 on lobbying this year, according to the Senate’s lobbying database, on issues including cybersecurity research, alternative energy research and STEM. Christopher Montgomery and Jennifer Dunn will lobby for Davenport McKesson.

TALKING TURKEY LOBBYING: As Caramel and Popcorn receive their presidential pardon today, PI takes a look at what the organization that chooses the birds is lobbying on. The National Turkey Federation, whose chairman selects the foul presented at the annual White House pardoning, has spent $105,000 on lobbying in the first three quarters of 2013. Senior Vice President of Government Relations Damon Wells tells PI that the federation’s influence this year was directed primarily at the renewable fuel standards program, immigration reform and the farm bill. In particular, the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards rule concerning country of origin labeling has caused unnecessary burdens on the industry. Wells said a primary concern of the industry from growers to processors was food safety, especially approaching the holiday season when the NTF begins fielding increased questions about preparation. You can find everything you need to know about getting your bird to the perfect temperature (165 degrees) here: www.eatturkey.com

FARA ROUNDUP: Two other new foreign agent registrations for Morocco and Thailand in addition to the Lieberman registration for Libya noted above.

— Morocco has hired Mostafa Terrab on a pro bono FARA contract. Terrab leads the Moroccan state-owned phosphates company, OCP Group. Terrab will be "rendering advice and other assistance to the Kingdom of Morocco in regards to economic development issues relating to Africa." Registration is here: http://1.usa.gov/187avDn

— Thailand has inked Davenport McKesson Corporation on a lobbying contract to work on defense-related issues. Thailand is asking the United States to build a naval air defense base in the South Asian country. Thailand is also asking for military assistance to establish a safe harbor zone around its waters. Davenport McKesson "intends to lobby members of the U.S. Congress through direct meetings and awareness campaign events that will inform members of Congress of the strategic importance of the South China sea and the Kingdom of Thailand." There’s no formal contract, but the FARA registration identifies an upfront fee of $20,000. See the registration here: http://1.usa.gov/1dAUPQw

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PRO TRADE IN ASIA NEXT WEEK: Our own Doug Palmer, one of the top reporters in international trade, is headed to Bali & Singapore for the WTO ministerial meeting and the TPP negotiations. Both the WTO & TPP have major implications for trade, and we’ll have one of the top journalists on the scene with minute-by-minute coverage, real-time multimedia features, exclusive insight and more. Go Pro today for full access to our around-the-clock coverage by calling (703) 341-4600 or emailing [email protected].

ELSEWHERE IN THE INFLUENCE WORD:

TURKEYS HAVE LOBBYISTS TOO: CPI looks at the turkeys donated by the turkey trade association. http://bit.ly/1hidGk3

WHO IS YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER DONATING TO? Sunlight looks at how agriculture campaign cash is getting doled out. http://bit.ly/1aUOSdQ

PITY THE POOR MEGADONOR: Obama’s most loyal fundraisers are facing a tough ambassadorial job market. http://wapo.st/17U3Nnt

LIGHTER CLICK: Meet J ohn Kerry’s new puppy. http://wapo.st/1cNUipA

NEW POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE REGISTRATIONS:

Kansas Family Policy Council of — Wichita, Kan. — Treasurer Arturo Macias (PAC)

HARDIPAC of Columbus, Ohio — Treasurer Jonathan A Melchi (PAC)

Direct Progressive Campaign Committee of Portsmouth, Va. — Treasurer Timothy Hernandez-Tarafas (PAC)

NEW LOBBYING REGISTRATIONS: (Firm: Client)

Charity Bracy: District Hospital Leadership Forum

Davenport McKesson Corporation: State of Maryland (University of Maryland)

Dawson & Associates: Shell Oil Company

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Francis Hospital

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. John's Hospital

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Joseph's Hospital

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Joseph's Hospital — Chippewa

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Joseph's Hospital Breese

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Mary's Hospital

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Mary's Hospital — Decatur

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Mary's Hospital — Green Bay

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Nicholas Hospital

Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman: St. Vincent Hospital — Green Bay

Strategic Health Care: Avera Health Plans, Inc.

The Ferguson Group: Florida Association of Counties

The Ickes and Enright Group: Thompson Divide Coalition

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