Former US Rep. Jerry Costello opens lobbying firm

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello of southern Illinois is opening a lobbying firm.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports Monday (http://bit.ly/14O3Uf5) that Costello will open The Jerry Costello Group LLC. It will have offices in Belleville and Washington, D.C. A statement from the agency says it will "provide services and advocacy" for government agencies, trade associations and businesses.

Costello retired from Congress in early January after representing Illinois' 12th District for more than 20 years. The Democrat announced he wouldn't seek another term in late 2011. He said at the time that he intended to "go full speed pursuing other interests and opportunities."

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Information from: Belleville News-Democrat, http://www.bnd.com