Former Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., was always a friend of business, and now after losing reelection, he can be their advocate, too. Yesterday, K Street giant Alston & Bird announced that Pomeroy and his chief of staff were joining the lobbying firm.

The firm's press release touts how Pomeroy "has been one of the most-respected and best liked Members of Congress who is known for working well with both Republicans and Democrats." Pomeroy's committee assignments make him particularly valuable to the lobbying firm -- he served on Ways & Means (which writes tax law) and on Agriculture (which hands out many billions in subsidies).

Pomeroy, according to the firm's press release, will work in the firm's health-care practice. Alston & Bird's clients include HealthSouth, Safeway, Aetna, and Merck. Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R) is a lobbyist at Alston, while another former Senate Majority Leader, Tom Daschle, left the firm a year ago for DLA Piper.