Uber Hires Former Brownback Campaign Manager as Lobbyist

Ride-hailing company Uber has signed Gov. Sam Brownback’s former campaign manager and several high-profile lobbyists to represent it in a fray over efforts to regulate the industry.

The Kansas Secretary of State’s Office says Mark Dugan, who managed Brownback’s successful re-election campaign, registered as a lobbyist for Uber on Monday. The Wichita Eagle reports that the move came after Brownback on April 20 vetoed a bill that would have increased regulations on companies like Uber. Bill backers are vowing to attempt to override the veto during the wrap-up session that begins Wednesday.

The governor’s office said Dugan played no role in the decision to veto the bill. Uber didn’t immediately return a message that The Associated Press left through its website.