Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Controversy impacts revenues at D.C. lobbying firm Kessler & Associates

Revenues at Kessler & Associates averaged $1,939,100 a year over the past five years. From 2002-2005, partners and affiliates of Detroit gambling promoters Marian Ilitch and Michael Malik discreetly paid Kessler & Associates $665,000 via another lobbyist, former Rep. Alan Wheat.

Affiliates of the Detroit pair have a history of retaining controversial DC lobbyists who end up at the center of corruption investigations (Barbara Bonfiglio/Williams & Jensen; Kessler & Associates; Richard Alcalde/Potomac Partners DC).

Kessler & Associates president Richard Kessler and other associated with the firm (Billy Lee Evans, Shane Young, Frank Polk, Linda Jenckes and Scott A. Spear) have been at the center of various lobbying controversies in recent years -- particularly questionable practices involving the non-profit Ripon Society.

At mid-year 2008, revenues at Kessler & Associates are just $180,000 (less than 10 percent of the previous five year average). And from 2006 – 2007, Wheat’s funneled just $40,000 to Kessler.

At the height of popularity, Kessler boasted 17 clients but now the firm is registered to represent eight clients; two of which have paid the firm nothing in 2008. Among those that have dropped Kessler & Associates: Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

link: Kessler & Associates Marketing Materials

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