Lobby Idaho, LLC was founded in 2012 by C.A. “Skip” Smyser and Jason Kreizenbeck. Having first worked together at Connolly & Smyser, Chtd. in 1999 and on several political campaigns prior to that, they formed a friendship that would continue as their careers progressed.

Following his time serving as Chief of Staff for then-Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, Kreizenbeck joined Smyser and expanded his longstanding and well-respected lobbying practice.

The two shared a vision of creating one of Idaho’s top, full-service firms by bringing together Mr. Kreizenbeck’s depth of knowledge in corporate government affairs and work in the Executive branch, with Mr. Smyser’s years of success as a contract lobbyist and history as a legislator, committee chairman, and lawyer.

Inside Idaho state capital

Since 2012, Lobby Idaho has developed into one of the most highly respected and sought-after firms in the state, enjoying long-term relationships representing a multitude of clients and working on successful legislative efforts.

C.A. “Skip” Smyser, Esq.

Co-Founder and Former CEO

C.A. “Skip” Smyser, Esq

Mr. Smyser was a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lobby Idaho from 2012 to 2018. Mr. Smyser was a public affairs professional and attorney in Idaho for more than 35 years. He has experience as a Prosecuting Attorney, Deputy Attorney General, and had his own law practice for 30-plus years.

Mr. Smyser is a fifth generation Idaho resident born and raised in Canyon County. He had a successful contract lobbying practice for more than 20 years, representing a diverse client base. He is an advocate of substance and a knowledgeable source of information for legislators and members of the executive branch of government.

Since graduating from Gonzaga School of Law in 1977, Skip Smyser has been an active part of the Idaho political scene. He has worked on numerous successful political campaigns and held seats as a member of the Idaho House of Representatives and Idaho State Senate, where he served as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. In addition, he has served as a Presidential elector and is currently the President of the Legislative Advisors Association.

Skip has an extensive history of full-service representation to numerous clients, providing a broad range of experience on all aspects of governmental affairs including state lobbying and public affairs, consulting services, issue management, strategy development, grassroots and grasstops management.

Few within the profession have served in both the Idaho House of Representatives and the Idaho State Senate. Even fewer have Mr. Smyser’s public speaking and legal expertise.

Mr. Smyser has been repeatedly selected as one of Idaho’s most influential people. He and his wife, Melinda, live in Parma and have four children – Lincoln, Logan, Landon and Lauren.

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