Lott and Breaux Launch Bipartisan Consulting Firm

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Former United States Senators Trent Lott and John Breaux announced today the formation of The Breaux-Lott Leadership Group, a partnership offering strategic advice, consulting and lobbying to a wide range of clients.

The firm unites two former Senate leaders from opposite parties, with a combined total of nearly 70 years experience in Congress. Lott and Breaux, who are teaming up with their sons, Chet Lott and John Breaux Jr., will offer their services on a full-time basis from their new offices in Washington, D.C.

"In many cases today, companies employ a Democratic firm and a Republican firm to advise them on important issues," the former senators said in a joint statement. "The Breaux-Lott Leadership Group will provide a range of services through just one firm possessing years of experience at the highest levels. It is clear over the last several years that the only way to accomplish true results in Washington is through a bipartisan approach, which is what we will provide."

Former Senator Lott, who recently retired from the U.S. Senate after 35 years of service to the citizens of Mississippi, is the only member of Congress to have served as Republican Whip in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Lott served in the House from 1973 to 1988, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate. In the Senate, he served as Majority Leader, Minority Leader and Minority Whip.

Former Senator John Breaux retired from the U.S. Senate in 2005 after serving his state of Louisiana for 32 years. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972 and served until his election to the Senate in 1986. While in the Senate, he served as chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and as Chief Deputy Whip. He has been Senior Counsel to Patton Boggs, LLP for the last 3 years.

Lott's and Breaux's careers have paralleled each other for over 30 years. Both came to Capitol Hill in the late 1960s as congressional aides and ultimately succeeded their bosses as members of Congress. After service in the House, they were elected to the Senate and served together on Commerce and Finance Committees.

Their two sons will bring other valuable experiences and talents to the new firm.

Chet Lott has an extensive business background in the private sector. He is a founding partner in the government relations consulting firm of Lott & Hopkins, LLC, based in Washington, D.C., and Lexington, KY. In December of 2002, he was asked to join prominent lobbying firm The Livingston Group. Chet is also a businessman and restaurateur, and the recipient of many national awards for operational excellence and sales. Chet graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Public Administration.

John Breaux Jr. has over 20 years experience in government and political relations and currently runs a successful consulting practice in Washington, D.C., and New Orleans, LA. Before starting his practice in 2001, Breaux Jr. served as a principal at Johnston & Associates. His experience includes serving as managing director for Public Strategies, an international business advisory firm headquartered in Austin, Texas. He also worked as a director of congressional affairs at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association.

Also joining The Breaux-Lott Leadership Group is Bret Boyles. Boyles brings more than a decade of political and policy expertise to the firm, having served as Executive Director of the New Republican Majority Fund and most recently as Chief of Staff to Senator Lott.

Boyles has twice been recognized by Roll Call as a Top 50 Staffer on Capitol Hill for his "know how," "access" and "strength" to get things done.

Breaux and Lott said they are eager to start this new phase in their careers. The former political opponents will work together to offer clients unique services for consulting, lobbying and strategic advice that crosses party lines

"Trent and I haven't always agreed on policy or politics, but we have always respected each other," Breaux said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to have the chance to partner with my former Senate colleague and our talented sons. I am excited to work together in a field we have all been in separately for a long time. We can provide unique bipartisan advice to our clients as they work through challenges at the intersection of government, business and labor."

Lott said, "During an era known for partisan rancor, John and I know how to work both sides of the political aisle. We are excited to take a bipartisan approach to government and business. I'm extremely pleased to put my years of experience in Congress to work in this new firm with John Breaux, our two sons and Bret Boyles."

    The Breaux-Lott Leadership Group will formally open for business on
January 7, 2008.

    CONTACT: BRET BOYLES
    TELEPHONE: 202-239-4747
    CELL PHONE: 202-286-8677
    EMAIL: BRET@BREAUXLOTT.COM