Washington, D.C. – May 12, 2009

Robert Houton has joined Whitmer & Worrall as a Principal in the company. Mr. Houton got his legislative start in the office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). Prior to that Mr. Houton has served on a number of prominent political campaigns, including the Presidential Campaign of Senator John Kerry (D-MA) in 2004. Most recently he served on the Presidential Inaugural Committee of President Barack Obama. Mr. Houton also worked on tax issues for the National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association and handled energy policy when he represented the Building Owners and Managers Association, which resulted in a number of legislative successes.

Mr. Houton is a senior Democrat who brings with him extensive government relations experience, strong political contacts and an understanding of how to achieve client objectives in Washington, D.C. He will be managing a healthcare and tax practice at the firm as well as co-managing the energy practice.

Firm Partner, Martin Whitmer, stated, “2008 was our firm’s best year; however, we were convinced that it was time to broaden our team by adding a seasoned Democrat to our firm. Rob brings our firm incredible knowledge related to key public policy issues and his contacts in Washington are very impressive. We are fortunate to have Rob join our firm and his contributions have been immediate and substantial.”

Firm Partner, Tom Worrall, also stated, “We had been in search of a senior Democrat to join our firm for over a year. Robert Houton immediately met all the criteria we were looking for: a well connected, seasoned professional who, most importantly, shares our ideals for hard-work and a winning attitude. Our firm has a lways strived to implement a bipartisan strategy on behalf of our clients, now we are even more capable of achieving this goal.”

Rob Houton expressed his enthusiasm about joining the firm by saying, “Martin and Tom have created an impressive firm where a hands on approach to client representation is their gold standard. After fifteen years of being in Washington, I believe my new position at Whitmer & Worrall will serve me and my new partners well for years to come.”

Founded in January 2005, Whitmer & Worrall is a bi-partisan government relations and strategic counseling firm headquartered in our nation’s capital. The firm’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, innovative growth companies, colleges and universities, state and local governments, trade associations, as well as healthcare and other not-for-profit organizations.