The Georgia government signed in January six-month contract, worth of USD 300,000, with one of leading lobbying firms in Washington, Podesta Group.

The Podesta Group will provide lobbying, government relations, public relations and media management services to Georgia and will also arrange for its client meetings with members of Congress and their staff, as well as with executive branch officials, according to documents filed by the firm to the U.S. Justice Department.

The firm was co-founded in late 1980s by Tony Podesta, who is regarded to be one of the most high-profile Democratic lobbyists, and his brother John Podesta, who was co-chairman of the Obama transition team.

Also in January, the Georgian government signed one year contract, worth of USD 436,800, with former House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt's lobbying firm.