'Pledge to America' aide to lobby shop

A senior aide to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) who was behind Republicans' Pledge to America is leaving Capitol Hill to join one of Washington's top-earning lobby firms.

As senior adviser for legislative initiatives to Boehner, Brian Wild was the executive director of the House GOP project that produced the Pledge, the GOP governing philosophy laid out before last year's midterm elections.

He also managed the House Republicans' America Speaking Out project, which solicited voters' public policy ideas online. Wild worked with House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on both of those projects. He also developed policy orientation sessions for the GOP freshmen class this Congress.

Wild will be joining the firm Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti.

"We are thrilled that Brian is joining our team. He brings an unparalleled record of accomplishment, effectiveness and character," firm partner Alex Vogel said in a statement. "His deep understanding of tax, trade, energy, financial services, and labor policy will serve our firm and its clients well."

Wild said he was "joining one of D.C.'s best firms."

"They have a stellar reputation, great clients, and play everywhere. I am confident my political and policy experience will complement their great team, and I am eager to get started," Wild said.

Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti has several brand-name corporations as clients, such as HP, Pfizer and Wal-Mart, according to lobbying disclosure records.

Along with Boehner, Wild has worked for other prominent Republican politicians.

He was deputy assistant for legislative affairs for Vice President Dick Cheney. Wild also was chief of staff and legislative director to then-Rep. Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), who is now a senator.

Wild has lobbied in the past as well. He has been a lobbyist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce -- one of the most powerful lobby groups in Washington -- and for the Nickles Group, founded by former Sen. Don Nickles (R-Okla.).

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