At least nine former officials of the National Indian Gaming Commission now lobby the federal government on behalf of tribes and casino companies, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Among them:

• Tom Foley, former commissioner, is lobbying on behalf of Lakes Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment. "He has been our eyes and ears at the NIGC," Robert Stewart, a Caesars vice president, told the paper.

• Jana McKeag, former commissioner and Foley's wife, lobbies on behalf of Venture Catalyst, a gaming firm, and Sodak Gaming. "I hardly ever talk to the NIGC at all, other than on a social basis," she said.

• Larry Rosenthal, former chief of staff, is lobbying for nine tribes and one casino company.

• Teresa Poust, former commissioner, is employed by the Holland & Knight law/lobbying firm. She runs into NIGC people about once a month.

• Aurene Martin, former Congressional/public affairs aide, also at Holland & Knight.

• Liz Homer, former commissioner, now in private practice representing tribes before the NIGC.

• Phil Hogen, current chairman, also worked for Holland & Knight after leaving NIGC in the late 1990s. He said he might return to lobbying once his current term is up.

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Tribes' casino lobbyists well-connected (The San Diego Union-Tribune 5/23)