A former top aide to then-Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) plans to sign on with Quinn Gillespie & Associates early next month. John Feehery will lead the shop’s communications practice and will serve as a director in the lobbying practice.

“We are ecstatic,” QGA President Dave Hoppe said. “John is simply one of the best people on the Republican side, on either side, frankly.”

As polls indicate potential huge gains for Republicans in Congress, many K Street firms are looking to nab GOP strategists, though most operations are holding tight until after Election Day.

“Everything seems to be trending toward big Republican gains,” said Hoppe, who was chief of staff to then-Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.). “It will put Republicans back in the game.”

Feehery, who runs the Feehery Group, was previously executive vice president for global government affairs at the Motion Picture Association of America. He is also a frequent commentator on such networks as MSNBC.

“I believe firmly in the vision of QGA,” Feehery said in a statement. “Every successful public affairs campaign should include a strong government relations strategy as well as a smart communications component.”

Hoppe said the bipartisan firm — which was co-founded by Democrat Jack Quinn — is unlikely to make additional GOP hires before Election Day. He noted that the current majority party will continue to matter, too.

“No matter what happens on Capitol Hill, the White House will be in Democratic hands, so that’s a critical piece of the puzzle as well,” he said.