California Democrat Dennis Cardoza is still a member of Congress, but as of this morning, he was already listed as a “managing director” in the “government and regulatory” division of K Street lobbying firm Manatt, Phillips, and Phelps.

You see, Cardoza announced earlier this year he would run for reelection. After that point, he began negotiating with K Street lobbying firms who wanted to put his public service to work for their private clients. But then, suddenly, Cardoza announced yesterday he wouldn’t even serve out his term — he was quitting right away.

Mannatt issued a press release by 1:13 pm announcing Cardoza was joining the firm as “a Managing Director in the firm’s rapidly growing federal government affairs and public policy practice.”

The firm explained his value:

Cardoza, a former co-chair of the moderate Blue-Dog Coalition, key member of the House Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Committees, and former California State Assemblyman, will utilize his extensive federal and state government experience to advise and strategize with clients on agriculture, energy, foreign affairs and other legislative and regulatory matters.

The release also noted, ”A lot of firms were recruiting Dennis, so we are doubly thrilled he will call Manatt home….”

Politco’s Anna Palmer writes: “Cardoza, who Tuesday said he was quitting Congress, filed paperwork with the House Ethics Committee on July 30 saying he was talking with Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.”

Manatt has taken their Cardoza page down for now. His resignation isn’t effective until midnight.