ECA steps up lobbying

For years, publishers have been represented in Washington, D.C. by lobbyists for the Entertainment Software Association. Likewise, retailers have been represented by lobbyists for the Entertainment Merchants Association. Now there's going to be a lobbyist representing the gamers themselves, as the Entertainment Consumers Association today announced the hiring of veteran industry attorney Jennifer Mercurio to head its Government Affairs operations.

As a former attorney for the ESA, Mercurio worked on state-level legislative issues. In her new role, she will run the ECA's government relations and advocacy efforts.

"Her track record in successfully lobbying against anti-games legislation and being a part of the team that overturned the few bills that passed, speaks for itself," ECA president Hal Halpin said of Mercurio in a statement. "We've tasked Jenn with some big challenges, but she'll be working cooperatively alongside of our parallel trade association partners--many of whom she knows well, of course."