Michael H. Hutton

Michael H. Hutton joined Capitol Counsel LLC in September 2007.  He has more than 20 years of experience in politics and policy in Washington, D.C., and New Jersey.  He is a nationally recognized political and government affairs strategist with a track record of solving complicated policy and regulatory problems for clients in the health care, financial services, real estate, transportation, energy, and telecommunications fields. 

Mr. Hutton served as chief of staff to Rep. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) from 1992 – 2003.  While managing the political, legislative, and press operations, he played a key role in the Congressman’s rise in New Jersey and national politics.  During his tenure as chief of staff, Mr. Hutton developed close ties to members of the House and Senate Democratic leadership and many prominent members of the House and Senate. 

Recognized by Roll Call as one of the top 50 staffers, Mr. Hutton worked closely with members and senior staff of the House Democratic leadership and members of the Democratic Caucus on issues of national importance, including the passage of major financial services, trade, and homeland security legislation.  He developed deep ties to the members of the Democratic Caucus, senior staff, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Blue Dog Coalition, New Democrat Network, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the Democratic National Committee while managing the successful leadership race for Rep. Menendez, who was elected as the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus in 2002.

Prior to joining Capitol Counsel, Mr. Hutton had his own consulting and lobbying business with a focus on real estate, health care, energy, and general business issues.  Mr. Hutton was also previously a member of a bi-partisan lobbying firm and successfully represented prestigious clients on issues including real estate, health care, financial services, tax, trade, insurance, telecommunications, transportation, energy, high-tech, and defense. 

Before serving as chief of staff to Rep. Menendez, Mr. Hutton was a senior legislative assistant and Budget Committee associate staff for Rep. Frank Guarini (D-NJ) from 1986 – 1992. Mr. Hutton received his B.A. from Bucknell University in 1986.