Mike Toomey Texas Lobbyist & State Government Consultant
Telephone: 512.473.2646
Fax: 512.473-2789
mike@txlobby.com
- Capitol Inside picked Mike as their number 1 “hired gun” in Texas Lobbying 2005, along with partner Bill Messer.
- Texas Monthly says that Michael is one of the 25 most influential Texans in politics for 2005.
- With his legendary knowledge of state government, Michael is known as a premier lobbyist for businesses in Texas, as noted by Patricia Kilday Hart. Texas Monthly – May 2003.
- Michael Toomey is the only person in Texas history to serve as chief of staff for two state governors. Bill Clements and Rick Perry.
- Mike was a state representative from 1983 to 1988 and was the chairman of the Judiciary committee.
- The Dallas Morning News and Texas Monthly both chose him as their legislator of choice for Texas in the 80s.
- Michael earned of Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University in 1972 and a degree in Law from South Texas College of Law in 1976.
Past Positions:
- Chief of Staff for two Texas Governors:
- Rick Perry – Nov., 2002 – Sept. 2004
- William P. Clements, Jr. – 1989 – 1990
- District 135, Houston Texas State Representative for three terms from 1983 to 1988.
- Fort Worth Star Telegram best house freshman for the 68th session.
- Served on the Judiciary and Urban Affairs committee in the 68th session.
- Chairman of the Budget and Oversight committee for the 69th session.
- Judiciary Committee for the 69th session.
- Appropriations Committee for the 69th session.
- Conference Committee on Appropriations Bill for the 69th session.
- Chairman, Subcommittee on Dedicated State Funds for the 69th session.
- Named one of the Ten Best Legislators for the 69th session.
- Chairman, Judiciary Committee for the 70th session.
- Natural Resources Committee for the 70th session.
- House Sponsor of Tort Reform Legislation for the 70th session.
- Named one of the Seven Best Legislators for the 70th session.
- Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor of Texas for the 71st session.
Education:
B.A. Degree in Philosophy – Baylor University (1972)
J.D. South Texas College of Law (1976)
Professional:
Mike was an attorney in Houston from 1976 to 1988 in general practice with an emphasis on Business Law.
Civic Achievements and Awards:
- ODK Circle, Baylor U.
- Order of Lytae with honorary scholarship in Law school.
- Chairman of the Board for the West Houston Chamber of Commerce.
- Optimist Club President.
- Member of the Law Journal and Editorial Board Member.
- Tort Reformer of 1987 by the American Tort Reform Association.
Newspaper & Magazine References:
“Under Toomey’s guidance, that vanguard of political professionals helped undertake the complete Republican takeover of state government.”
Laylan Copelin, Austin American Statesman, May 16, 2004
“A man who had always been known for his intensity and hard work…”
Dave McNeely, Austin American Statesman, August 26, 2001
“Toomey was such a key budget-cutting member of the House Appropriations Committee during the economic turndown in Texas caused by the oil bust..”
Dave McNeely, Austin American Statesman, August 26, 2001
“…Texas Monthly magazine named him one of 10 top legislators.”
Dave McNeely, Austin American Statesman, August 26, 2001
“Toomey was the first real tort reformer. He started the crusade, and he was successful.”
Bruce Gibson, Austin American Statesman, August 26, 2001
“He has once again served the state tirelessly, and I am grateful for his dedication to serving the people of Texas.”
Governor Rick Perry, Austin American Statesman, September 4, 2004
“Toomey read every single bill that was filed. And I don’t mean skimmed’em.”
Cliff Johnson, Austin American Statesman, August 26, 2001
“There’s nobody who works harder, studies the issues more and is more determined. He is a tough, tough negotiator.”
Kent Caperton, Austin American Statesman, August 26, 2001
“Incredible talent, expertise and focus to my staff and his efforts as chief of staff were a major factor in the success of the 2003 legislative session.”
Governor Rick Perry, Austin American Statesman, September 4, 2004
“He approaches issues with a zeal and tenacity that even his detractors admire. Everything about him speaks of discipline.”
Patricia Kilday Hart, Texas Monthly, May 2003
“…had all the qualities essential to mastering this most difficult of legislative arts: industry, inspiration, a mind for detail, and objectivity.”
Paul Burka and Alison Cook, Texas Monthly’s 10 Best legislators, July 1985
“His hard work contributed significantly to the success of the regular session this year.”
Governor Bill Clements, The Dallas Morning News, 1989
“….Toomey has accumulated the skill and will to influence every issue of consequence. Toomey brings to the job a work ethic that has been legendary since 1985..”
Patricia Kilday Hart, Texas Monthly, May 2003
“Toomey does his homework, argues his points and carries voluminous knowledge on a wide range of issues…”
The 7 Best, Dallas Morning News, June 2, 1987
“For the past twenty years, Mike Toomey has loomed large in state government,…as the Capitol’s premier business lobbyist…With his encyclopedic knowledge of state government…”
Patricia Kilday Hart, Texas Monthly, May 2003