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Back in 2001, former Clinton Administration official-turned-D.C. lobbyist Jarvis Stewart mused that he might someday open an L.A. office to help celebrities "learn how to get their messages across in Washington." Well, he finally got that Los Angeles office. Stewart Partners manages the federal legislative and public affairs agendas for Wal-Mart, Toyota, Verizon and FedEx, among others, but the West Coast practice "specializes in political and philanthropic consulting for celebrities and artists." An information sheet that is around town adds:
This new venture offers strategic management services to recording artists, celebrities, record labels, studios and others in the entertainment community. Services include counseling entertainment clients on their political participation, such as contributing to and endorsing candidates, and assisting them in developing and articulating their philanthropic interests to the media, contributors and policy decision-makers.
Helping celebs part with their money—always a good thing. It's a return to Los Angeles for Stewart, who lived here scouting talent for Sony Records and doing some politics before heading to Washington in 1997 to work for Alexis Herman, the first African American Secretary of Labor. He'll be comfortable taking meetings in Hollywood: Stewart told PC World once that "I cannot live without my BlackBerry."