Heastie's Girlfriend Gets New Job at Lobbying Firm

In a notable career shift, the girlfriend of State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, has secured a position at Albany's largest lobbying firm, Brown & Weinraub, following her dismissal from a smaller labor organization. David Weinraub, a partner at the firm, clarified that he did not consult with Heastie prior to the hiring, emphasizing that the firm often employs individuals with legislative connections. However, he refrained from commenting on whether a recusal agreement, akin to one previously established with the speaker’s office, would be implemented. Reinvent Albany Executive Director John Kaehny described the hiring as a "marriage made in Albany heaven," while cautioning that it presents potential conflicts of interest. Several lobbyists defended the new hire's professional qualifications, highlighting her labor ties and experience. Lamorte previously ran for a New York City Council seat in 2021 and is currently a member of Manhattan Community Board 8. Brown & Weinraub boasts an extensive client list, including major corporations such as NYSEG, Orsted Wind, and Spotify. The firm was reported as the highest-earning lobbying entity in New York, with its lobbyists collectively earning over $21 million last year. The implications of Lamorte's new role in relation to Heastie's position remain a topic of discussion among political observers and lobbyists alike.