Livingston Signs Libya, But Yields Turkey to DLA Piper

The Livingston Group has signed a $2.4 million contract to represent the controversial North African nation of Libya, FARA records show, even as its once-largest international client, Turkey, switched the balance of its lobbying business to DLA Piper.

The Libya contract says Livingston will counsel the country on U.S. policies that could be of concern and help set up meetings with government officials and members of Congress, among other things. The contract went into effect March 12.

But Livingston has also lost the business of Turkey, one of its signature clients for the past eight years, even after Livingston was credited with beating back a resolution on Armenian genocide last year. Even by then, Livingston was a subcontractor on the account; Turkey had moved the lead contract to DLA Piper, a firm with a more bipartisan reputation. The account will be handled by former representatives Dick Armey (R-Texas) and Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.). It's unclear why Turkey decided to cut ties completely with Livingston now.

In a statement released by a firm spokesman, Livingston confirmed Turkey's departure. “We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship for eight years, we’ve had a lot of legislative victories together, and we wish the Turkish people lots of continued success and happiness in the future.”