Putting weeks of speculation to rest, former Sens. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Breaux (D-La.) confirmed Friday they plan to file paperwork next week to form a powerful lobbying partnership called The Breaux Lott Leadership Group.

Speaking from their new office at 607 14th St. NW, in Washington, D.C., the Senate duo said in an interview the new shop will include their two sons, Chet Lott and John Breaux Jr., and former Lott Chief of Staff Bret Boyles. Boyles served as Lott’s top aide until two weeks ago when Lott resigned his Senate seat just one year into his fourth six-year term.

“This is not a well kept secret to say the least,” Lott said. “We’ve worked together for many years in the House and Senate and in the leadership together in the Senate. We thought it was a good opportunity and a fun opportunity to work together.

“We start next Monday and we’re hoping to find some business.”

Breaux, the moderate Democrat who retired from the Senate in 2004, said the pair has “a combined 70 years of experience dealing with the Congress in the House and Senate”

“That’s one thing that is unique,” Breaux said. “This is a firm that combines both a Democratic and Republican perspective. A lot of businesses and organizations need help and go out and look for a Democratic firm or a Republican firm. We are unique because we bring both of those qualities in one firm.”

Lott and Breaux share near-parallel career paths, having served as staffers in Congress before running for the House and then the Senate. Both men have relationships in both parties and earned reputations as deal brokers throughout their Congressional tenures.

While Breaux left the Senate three years ago, Lott abruptly resigned his seat late last year — a move that fueled speculation that he wanted to leave his post before new, stricter lobbying restrictions took effect.