Exiting Gov. Barbour to Return to Lobbying Firm

When Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour leaves office Jan. 10, he'll return to the lobbying firm he founded in 1991.

That's according to a person with direct knowledge of the plan who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonimity because Barbour's plans were not yet public.

The person says Barbour will return next month to the BGR Group. It is a government affairs, strategic communications and investment banking firm. The person says Barbour's new office is under construction in Washington, and newly hired people will work for him.

Barbour has recently worn BGR golf shirts at public events. He cannot seek a third term as governor.

Barbour told AP on Monday that he'll give his first paid speech Jan. 11 in Miami, at an event sponsored by Barclays bank.