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K Street Files: AARP Snags Paul Ryan for Event; Podesta Group Ramps Up Foreign Practice

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) will speak at an AARP event on Sept. 21, and President Barack Obama will address the group via satellite, the seniors’ lobby announced today.

The meeting next week, billed as AARP’s annual Life@50+ National Event and Expo, will take place in New Orleans.

AARP said Ryan will take questions from the crowd.

The group recently released a poll that showed voters over the age of 50 want more information from candidates on their signature issues of Medicare and Social Security. Ryan’s budget framework calls for an overhaul of the programs.

Podesta Goes Global

The Podesta Group this week added three new lobbyists to its international practice.

Javier Sancho, former chief of staff to the Spanish Foreign Minister and Spanish ambassador to the Organization of American States; Mark Tavlarides, former director of legislative affairs at the National Security Council under President Bill Clinton; and Benjamin Chang, once the senior adviser for strategic planning and crisis communications at the State Department and deputy spokesman for the NSC.

“Our international practice is growing at a remarkable pace, and the addition of Javier, Mark and Ben will further ensure our clients have access to the experience, talent and relationships they require to succeed on the global stage,” said Podesta CEO Kimberley Fritts in a statement. “As we add these three stars to our already robust roster of talent, we look forward to continuing to deliver for our clients.”

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