New lobby firm lands Google as client

A new firm started by a veteran lobbyist has landed Google as one of its inaugural clients.  

Dave Lugar, the son of Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), will be lobbying on “technology” for the Internet giant, according to a registration form filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.

Lugar was previously a partner at Quinn Gillespie & Associates, working primarily with the financial services and technology sectors. He told The Hill he left the firm in January to “strike out on my own” with his new venture, The Lugar Group.

“I’m pleased with the beginning of the firm and looking forward to working with additional clients in addition to the ones I’m currently servicing,” Lugar said. “It’s been a lot of fun this far.”

Lugar said he has no intentions of his father joining the firm someday.

Dave Lugar was one of the first employees hired by Quinn Gillespie & Associates after its founding in 2000. A spokesman for Quinn Gillespie said Lugar left the firm on friendly terms. 

“The firm was aware of his intentions months before his last day,” Quinn Gillespie communications representative Matt Dornic told The Hill in an e-mail. “The split was amicable and Dave remains a close friend of Quinn Gillespie & Associates.”

Before joining Quinn Gillespie, Lugar worked as director of congressional affairs under Tom Donohue at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He also served under Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) at the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Lugar has also registered Hilton Worldwide as a client and will be lobbying for the hotel chain on immigration, tourism and tax issues, according to disclosure records.