The Alexander Strategy Group [3] lobbying firm "will shut down at the end of the month because of its ties to disgraced [4] lobbyist Jack Abramoff [5] and former House majority leader Tom DeLay [6]." ASG owner Ed Buckham [7] said, "Reports in the press have made it difficult to continue as a lobbying/political entity." ASG lobbyist -- and former DeLay staffer and Abramoff associate -- Tony Rudy [8] may leave the firm before it closes. "The end of DeLay's leadership role was a major blow," wrote the Washington Post. "Former DeLay associates have said that ASG and Buckham were key gatekeepers for DeLay with outsiders including lobbyists and their corporate clients." ASG's clients include Microsoft [9] and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America [10]. "The 12 lobbyists who now work at ASG -- other than Rudy and Buckham -- intend to start a successor firm and intend to keep as many of the clients as possible."