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Caught Our Eye

Former Ohio congressman jumps political ship for defense lobbying job

Posted by John Sugden on April 10, 2014

Former Rep. Steve Austria (R-Ohio) has entered the lobbying ring carrying an undefeated record in politics.

Elected in 2008, Austria left Congress in 2013 after redistricting merged his constituency with that of fellow Republican Mike Turner (R-Ohio). Austria has joined fellow congressional alum Rep. Mike Parker (R-Miss.) in lobbying Congress on behalf of Trimble Navigation, a Silicon Valley technology company known for its GPS and surveying equipment. According to the lobbying filing, Austria and Parker will look to increase Trimble's share of the U.S. defense budget. While on Capitol Hill, Austria served on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and represented a district which included the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Austria's move to K Street could be a surprise to some, considering he has discussed a possible return to politics. As recently as Monday, he was in the midst of a run for his district's seat on Ohio's Central Republican Committee.