A-Team lobbyist's firm was quietly paid $665k to lobby Young on behalf of Michigan casino scheme

Here's what a biography included on the "About Us" page of a Web site identifed as the Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C., has to say about Billy Lee Evans, the former Georgia Congressman turned lobbyist at Kessler & Associates who's recently been identified as one of Rep. Don Young's "A-Team" lobbyists.

The Honorable Billy Lee Evans – Chairman Congressional Advisory Board
Member of Congress (Retired)

... Since leaving Congress, Evans has maintained his association with a majority of the Representatives and Senators on both sides of the aisle and now enjoys having some of his closest friends chairing major committees. Because of his concern for the best interest of the Member, Evans is trusted and respected by the Members and is always able to secure a fair consideration of his clients’ point of view... (Full Bio)

Interesting way to frame a lobbyist's influence. But consider this ...

Before the Democrats resumed control of the Congress in 2006, Billy Evan's pal Rep. Don Young (R-AK) had been chair and then vice chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. But more importantly, Young was chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

From 2002-2005, Evan's firm, Kessler & Associates was quietly paid $665,000 to lobby Young and others to support various measures -- namely several bills and sneaky transportation earmarks -- intended to approve an off-reservation Indian casino in Port Huron, Michigan; often bypassing the normal channels. Michael Malik and Marian Ilitch, Detroit-based casino syndicators, backed the effort in partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community.

Further Details: Lobbyist paid $665,000, secretly representing Ilitch syndication interests