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Gov. Bruce Rauner announced Friday he’s chosen Sam Pfister to lead his Washington DC team.
Pfister replaces Kathy Lydon, who had served Illinois in DC for years dating back to Sen. Charles Percy. Lydon quit three weeks ago as the governor overhauled his staff and more than two dozen of his inner circle were either fired or quit in protest.
Pfister will be paid $75,000.
Pfister’ most event job is four years as the associate director of state outreach for the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. The think tank was founded by Richard Fink, who heads the Koch Industries lobbying group in Washington, DC.
* From the governor’s office…
Springfield native Sam Pfister has been named Director of Federal Affairs in Washington D.C. As director, Pfister will be working closely with Congress and the Executive Branch to ensure Illinois’ interests are being represented. He also will work with other governors’ offices to achieve shared goals.
Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL15), among other representatives, said Pfister will be a great addition to the governor’s team.
“I congratulate Sam Pfister on his new position in Governor Rauner’s Washington D.C., office,” Shimkus said. “Sam’s experience and relationships on Capitol Hill, including as an intern in my office, will be a great benefit to Illinois as he takes a lead role in coordinating with state and federal policymakers on issues ranging from healthcare to disaster assistance to energy and environmental regulations. I wish him the best and look forward to working with him.”
“As someone who grew up in central Illinois and worked for Congressman Tim Johnson, Sam understands what it takes to represent downstate Illinois in Washington, and I’m confident he will do a great job,” Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL13) said. “My team and I look forward to working with him.”
Pfister is a graduate of Western Illinois University. He held an internship with Congressman Shimkus in September and October of 2009 before working for Congressman Johnson, eventually becoming his top policy adviser. Pfister has spent the past four years as Associate Director of State Outreach for the Mercatus Center at George Mason University in Arlington, Va.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:00 am
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Another Koch network hire.
Comment by Moderate Condor Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:15 am
Does this mean they’ll actually have something to say about things happening in DC that impact Illinois or…
Comment by JohnnyPyleDriver Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:22 am
you can’t buy a closet in DC for $75,000
Comment by L.A. Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:24 am
Yep. It’s clearer by the day what the governor’s top priority is: aiding and abetting the kochtopus.
Comment by Jane A. Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:30 am
It’s becoming clearer by the day what the governor’s real priority is: aiding and abetting the kochtopus.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:35 am
Mercatus.
Another IPI-compliant hire to make sure ALEC-compliant coordination can go smoothly.
We can see as plain as day what this Governor is all about.
Comment by Blue Bayou Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:36 am
Sorry for double posting as Anonymous. Thought my first post didn’t go through.
Comment by Jane A. Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:39 am
Might disagree with his views but Sam is a great guy. Congrats!!
Comment by Nice Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:41 am
Finally, Bruce Rauner has someone committed to free markets to represent his views in Washington.
Comment by Muscular Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:48 am
===you can’t buy a closet in DC for $75,000===
He should rent.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:51 am
Odd the Governor is working with the Mercatus Center to overhaul state regulations and now one of their Associate Director’s is a state employee. While not a registered lobbyist, Mercatus (which, of course, sounds like something set up by a Bond villain) still has an agenda in Illinois, if you haven’t heard of “Mercatus Words” yet, you will
Comment by Swift Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 11:52 am
Years ago Sam’s mother worked for me. Great family. Good luck in your new role. Congrats.
Comment by Eire17 Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 12:09 pm
He does realize that Illinois is a blue state?
Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 12:13 pm
I look at DC as a “different animal” in the politics and the relationship(s) between states and the federal government, so a move like this, not just the personalities changing, as the changing of national politics within the subgroup of Illinois politics.
To that end, I wish Kathy Lydon well, and thank her for her service, sincerely. My hope for this change is that those like Congressman Rodney Davis and Congressman Danny Davis find the new hire as an ally for all of Illlinois within the DC politics.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 12:20 pm
Jane you have gravely insulted octopi everywhere
Comment by Ghost Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Not just Koch, Bradley Center funds some familiar names as well, including IPI and Mercatus. another tie to Rauner???
https://tinyurl.com/yamwcqaf
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 12:23 pm
No way he could working full time for $75K in DC.
Comment by LTSW Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 1:13 pm
Funny, I read the headline and asked why he couldn’t just use one of the Koch Bros staff. I was being snarky.
Comment by walker Monday, Aug 7, 17 @ 2:38 pm