Our Professionals

Dave Larson

Managing Partner

Dave Larson is the founder and managing partner of the American Capitol Group. After over six years as a high-ranking Senate aide, Dave has since 2001 built and maintained a very successful lobbying practice.

In his current capacity, Dave oversees a government relations firm of over 20 clients, while specializing in policy and legislative strategy relating to healthcare, biotechnology, disability, food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and public health. Dave's clients include the American Dental Association, the Critical Path Institute, and Cardinal Health, to name a few.

Prior to the establishment of his lobbying practice, Dave had a successful Capitol Hill career as a senior health policy advisor to former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN). From 1995-2001, Dave served as a staff member of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Health, which Senator Frist chaired. In that role, Dave's main area of focus was Food and Drug Law, Public Health Law and Disability Policy Law.

During his time in the Senate, Dave gained experience in legislative policy and strategy and produced numerous legislative achievements. He drafted the Children's Health Act of 2000, the Public Threats and Emergencies Act of 2000, the Children's Day Care Health and Safety Improvement Act of 1999, and the Youth Drug and Mental Health Services Act of 1999. He also helped draft the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997, and the Public Health Improvement Act of 2000. All of these Bills became Law.

Dave also served from 2001-2003 as the government relations director for the Washington law firm of Arent, Fox, Kintner, Plokin & Kahn. He then co-founded the government relations firm Larson, Dodd, LLC, which expanded to become the American Capitol Group.

Education

B.S. in Political Science and History, Illinois State University

M.S. in History, Illinois State University

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Tim Stewart

Partner

Tim specializes in issues that affect the western states, such as appropriations, energy and land development, Native American issues, and water and natural resources policy. He represents several western clients including universities, tribes, trade associations, municipalities, state and country governments, and several small businesses.

He served from 2001 to 2003 as Legislative Director and Chief of Staff for the House Committee on Resources, where he managed 50 staff professionals and worked closely with the 52 members of the Committee. He was responsible for moving hundreds of bills through the legislative process. As a result, he has worked extensively with key members of Congress, including committee chairmen, House leaders, and Administration officials. He also developed relationships with leaders in industry, state government, and issue advocacy groups.

Tim also served for seven years as a top aide to former Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He oversaw annual appropriations in the subcommittees on Interior and Related Agencies, Energy and Water, and Agriculture and Related Agencies.

Education

B.S. Political Science, Utah State University

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Jim Link

Counsel

Jim represents a diverse range of clients, including non-profit hospitals, Midwestern University and Bacardi USA before Congress and the Administration. He has more than a decade of lobbying experience, and served for eight years as a staff member in Congress.

He served from 1992 to 1995 as a top aide in the Senate Republican Whip office, and was Legislative Assistant for Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY). Jim managed the Senator's leadership and Senate floor responsibilities, and participated in Republican leadership strategy. He also directed the Senator's legislative initiatives relating to health care, labor, banking, commerce, and telecommunications, and was a primary speechwriter for the Senator. He also served as an aide to former Reps. William Dickinson (R-AL) and Dick Cheney (R-WY), and as a fundraiser for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Jim then led the government relations team at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores where he served as Vice President of Federal Government Affairs. He managed lobby strategies for Albertson's, CVS, Longs Drug Stores, Rite-Aid, and Walgreen's relating to Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and labor, tax, and trade issues. He later served as partner and government affairs counsel at Fleischman and Walsh, where he built a large lobby practice for health care, non-profit, and corporate clients. He was also co-director of the Washington, DC office for MWW Group, and the chief lobbyist for the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Education

B.A. Political Science, Miami University

MBA, International Business American University

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Jonathon Lehman

Partner

Jonathon develops legislative strategies for clients on a broad range of issues including energy, agriculture, financial services, anti-trust, and the environment. He has served at the highest levels on Capitol Hill, and provides a deep understanding of the legislative process and strategies needed to achieve client goals.

He served as Counsel from 2000 to 2005 for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), where his responsibility was to develop key policies and legislative strategies for Senate Democrats. Jonathon worked directly with committee chairmen and ranking members to move legislation through the committee process, and with leadership and committee staff to manage legislative procedures in the Senate. He worked directly with the White House and members of the House of Representatives while negotiating compromises on such bills as the 2002 Farm Bill, the Energy Policy Act, and Forest Health legislation.

Jonathon also served as Counsel form 1999 to 2000 to the Senate Agriculture Committee where he worked on anti-trust and competition issues related to agriculture.

Education

B.S. Natural Resources and Environment Sciences, University of Minnesota

J.D., Vermont Law School