New Firm to Combine Four Impressive Backgrounds Into a Comprehensive Governmental and Political Affairs Shop

MONTGOMERY, Ala., Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning in 2011, Montgomery will play host to the newly-formed Swatek, Azbell, Howe & Ross, a one-stop shop offering its clients lobbying and government procurement services, political consulting, public relations and crisis communications advice and a myriad of other related specialties.

The firm's principals include veteran lobbyists, former high-ranking Republican Party officials, congressional staff, and a member of the Governor's Cabinet.

Among them, the group's namesakes have worked directly under three Alabama governors, a Republican presidential nominee, three U.S. Congressmen, two Republican Party chairmen, the Speaker of the House, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, several legislative committee chairs and a Secretary of State.  Their combined experience and long established relationships in Alabama politics are unsurpassed by competing groups operating in its field in the state.

John Ross, Executive Director of the Alabama Republican Party, will soon become the newest member to join the firm that includes Dax Swatek, David Azbell and Tim Howe.

Ross recently oversaw the 2010 election cycle, which proved to be the most successful in Republican Party history.  Republicans swept every statewide race, gained two congressional seats and claimed both houses of the Alabama Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction.  He worked hand-in-hand with now Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh to develop and implement the "Campaign 2010" program.  Ross previously worked as an aide to Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-4)

Swatek, another principal in the firm, began his work in the political arena on Capitol Hill in 1996 working with Congressman Spencer Bachus and, later, the National Republican Senatorial Committee.  Since then, he has served as an advisor to Aderholt, Congressman Mike Rogers, Speaker Hubbard and Governor Bob Riley.

A registered lobbyist, Swatek has more than 15 years of experience in politics and public policy.  He adds unique insight into the regulatory field, having served two years on the State Health Coordinating Council at the appointment of Governor Bob Riley and currently representing some of the state's largest utilities with a focus on the fields of healthcare, energy, communications and appropriations.

Azbell has served three Alabama governors, including Gov. George C. Wallace, Gov. Fob James and Riley, who appointed him as his cabinet-level chief spokesman.  A former Deputy Secretary of State, he has also worked as a media and public relations consultant to the House Republican Caucus and Senate Republican Caucus and is a close advisor to Hubbard and several prominent GOP legislators.  His corporate and association experience includes current work for the Business Council of Alabama and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama.

Howe, an attorney and lobbyist, served as Executive Director for the Alabama Republican Party under former chairman, and current Alabama Public Service Commissioner, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh.  In addition to an extensive governmental affairs practice at all levels of state government, Howe has an active practice before county and city governments throughout Alabama.

He was chosen by Hubbard and Marsh to serve as Chairman of State Legislative Candidate Recruitment for the Alabama Republican Party during the 2010 election cycle – a cycle which saw Republicans gain a majority in both chambers by increasing their numbers by 17 members in the House and 7 members in the Senate.

Azbell and Swatek each held the title of senior advisor in the 2008 McCain for President campaign while Howe served as the Arizona senator's campaign manager in Alabama.

Collectively and individually, the group's partners have listed among their recent clients:  Alabama Power Company;  SouthernLINC Wireless, The Business Council of Alabama;  HealthSouth;  Community Health Systems; Community Education Centers; HOAR Construction;  The University of West Alabama;  and more than a dozen individual hospitals and healthcare related companies.

The firm's website, soon to become active, may be found at www.sahrgroup.com.

SOURCE Swatek, Azbell, Howe & Ross