New World Navigator: CQ Profiles Hunter Bates

Hunter Bates, who recently joined Akin Gump as a senior policy consultant, was profiled by CQ for its article “Akin Gump Staffs Up with Ex-McConnell Aide.”

The article profiles Bates, who joined the firm from Republic Consulting, which he co-founded, and his work as a former chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Bates noted that he’d looked for a firm that had a “strong legal reputation and deep policy acumen and a broad respect on both sides of the aisle. I concluded Akin was hands down the winner in all those areas.”

Bates said, regarding the Trump victory in November, GOP dreams of tax reform and of repeal of the Affordable Care Act may become a reality, along with movement away from regulating business.

He also said, regarding activity in 2017, “Already you have companies and trade associations trying to get their arms around how the Congressional Review Act works or how the budget reconciliation process works, so having a large team available to help answer those questions quickly is invaluable to clients. While some of President Trump's agenda can be achieved on a partisan basis, much of it will still require bipartisan cooperation.”

The article also notes the arrival to the firm of Justin McCarthy, who brings experience earned in the George W. Bush administration as Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs.

To view the full profile of Mr. Bates, please click here.