U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn’s Floor Director Jaime Harrison is leaving his post to join a Washington, D.C. lobbying firm. He joined Clyburn’s staff in 2002.

“I have had a remarkable experience working for the man I consider my ‘political father,’” Harrison said Wednesday.

Harrison will become a partner with the Podesta Group, a bipartisan governmental relations and public affairs firm.

Harrison was Clyburn’s chief vote counter. It is an instrumental position because Clyburn’s role as majority whip is to ensure House Democrats vote with the party.

For Harrison, the transition will be bittersweet.

“On one hand, I’m really excited about the new opportunity to work with a great group of folks at the Podesta Group. But I’m also very sad about leaving what I consider family at the Clyburn office,” he said.

The Orangeburg native said he witnessed many historical events during his six years on Capitol Hill, but the thing he cherishes most is the sense of pride his mother and grandmother had when they told family and friends their son worked in the Capitol for Clyburn.

“I have had some wonderful opportunities working in this amazing place,” he said.

Harrison is a 1994 graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. He has degrees from Yale University and Georgetown University Law School.

As one door closes for Harrison, another has opened at the Podesta Group.

The lobbying firm has such clients as Google, Wal-Mart and the Washington Post Company.

“It will be another opportunity to do some things for people in South Carolina and represent them before Congress,” Harrison said.

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