Personnel Notes

Mike Fulton, a former executive vice president at GolinHarris, has opened up a Washington office for The Arnold Agency.

A major payday loan association registered a former Hill staffer as its first in-house lobbyist last week, public records show.

Charles Halloran, a former chief of staff to former Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.), is now the in-house lobbyist for the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSAA). His lobbying registration was filed in March but backdated to late January.

Halloran will be lobbying for the “small dollar, short-term loans” advocate on “[i]ssues regarding the regulation of short term financial products,” the disclosure form states.

A former White House counsel to President Clinton has joined the law firm Dilworth Paxson as special counsel, the firm announced Monday.

Lanny Davis’s strategic communications firm, Purple Nation Solutions, and his law firm, Lanny J. Davis & Associates, will “work closely” with the Dilworth team, according to a statement. 

“Lanny is simply a first-rate lawyer and counselor. We are delighted that as Special Counsel to our firm, Lanny will be available to assist us and our clients,” Dilworth co-chairman Stephen J. Harmelin said in a statement.

The top congressional liaison with the U.S. Trade Representative's office is headed for the White House. 

Luis Jimenez, assistant U.S. Trade Representative for congressional affairs, is expected to make the move in a couple of weeks to legislative affairs at the White House, a source confirmed on Friday.  

Jimenez, who joined USTR in 2009, was a legislative and trade adviser to former Illinois Democrat Rahm Emanuel when he was in the House, and served on the Ways and Means Committee. 

No one has been chosen to fill the slot. 

Obama's treatment of Bowles-Simpson illustrates his troubles with deficits. 

Who exactly is replacing Warren Buffett?

Europe asks for help. Group of 20 says no.

Analysts are more and more confident about the U.S. economy. 

But there are still naysayers.

Visa is ramping up its lobbying in Washington, adding three big-name firms to its K Street roster.

The chief of staff for an influential House committee is headed to the Podesta Group, adding to the GOP firepower at the firm. 

Sean McLaughlin will start as a principal at the Podesta Group on March 5. McLaughlin leaves the House Judiciary Committee, where he has been a lead GOP staffer for five years in a variety of positions. 

“Sean’s talent, dedication and tireless work ethic have helped the committee advance complex and high-profile legislation,” said House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) in a statement. 

Former Rep. Steve Gunderson (R-Wis.) is talking the helm at the Association of Private Sector Colleges & Universities (APSCU) as president and CEO.

Gunderson most recently served as president and CEO for the nonprofit Council on Foundations.

“We welcome Congressman Gunderson to the team and are fortunate to have such a recognized individual directing our efforts,” APSCU Chairman Art Keiser said in a statement.

A veteran staffer for Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) will join the lobbying firm Heather Podesta + Partners in February.

Stephen Bailey previously worked for Conrad as his principal aide on tax issues, and also served last year as senior tax counsel for the congressional supercommittee. 

“Stephen’s depth of knowledge of tax policy, and his deep understanding of Capitol Hill and the executive branch, will be a huge asset to our clients,” firm founder Heather Podesta said in a news release.

The staff director for the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for tax, trade and entitlements policy, is leaving his post.

Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) announced Thursday that Jon Traub will leave for a job in the private sector at the end of the month. Traub had previously served as chief tax counsel for the panel and was deeply involved in the talks of the deficit supercommittee.

Going forward, general counsel Jennifer Safavian will serve as staff director. Communications director Sage Eastman has been given the new title of strategy and public affairs director, along with added messaging responsibilities, and chief economist Warren Payne will become policy director.

“Starting as chief tax counsel under my good friend Jim McCrery and serving as staff director for me in the minority and majority, Jon's exceptional knowledge of policy and the Hill has been a tremendous asset,” Camp said.

The departure comes as House Republicans prepare to engage in negotiations with the White House on payroll tax, unemployment insurance and Medicare. Those talks, set to begin next week, face an end of February deadline. 

“To our new captains, and every member of the team: There is no off-season — the work and the fun begins immediately,” Camp said.