Before David Safavian was even offered the position of chief of staff at GSA, he was talking to Jack Abramoff about joining him and his “band of merry men” at Greenberg Traurig. But then the GSA offer came down, and Safavian knew a sweet honey pot when he saw one. It was a irresistible perch for a once and future lobbyist.
Here’s how the courtship went:
On February 4, 2002, Safavian sent Abramoff his resume.
Five days later, Neil Volz resigned from Rep. Bob Ney’s (R-OH) staff to join Abramoff’s team. Forwarding Safavian Volz’s teary goodbye to people on the Hill, Abramoff writes “You’re next!!!!”
In mid-April, Safavian interviews at Greenberg Traurig, but soon after gets the job offer at GSA. When Safavian tells Abramoff, Abramoff writes, “Oy Vey! Where/when should I call u?”
By late April, Safavian has clearly realized that he could be much richer as a lobbyist after having worked at the GSA. On April 30, he writes: “my gut is telling me to take the GSA job before joining up with you and your band of merry men.”
In mid-May, Safavian takes the GSA job. Abramoff writes: “Can I host a congrats party for you at Sigs [Signatures, his restaurant]? Something like cocktails? Let me know if that is allowed. I really want to do it.” Safavian replies that he can’t host the congrats party; but he’ll be celebrating at Bullfeathers. Abramoff: “Bullfeathers?! What?! Can you move it to my restaurant?”
On May 24th, with Safavian newly installed at his job, Abramoff asks for his first favor.
