Michael C. Doyle, an accomplished government affairs professional, offering years of professional achievement, joined Gaffney, Bennett and Associates in 2014. Mike offers clients a depth of insight, strategic advice and analysis that has continuously helped clients succeed in lobbying important issues before the executive branches of state government and the Connecticut General Assembly.Mike's background as screening clerk for the House Democrats, legislative aide, political advisor, campaign manager and Senior Policy Aide to the Speaker of the House has been a critical asset to clients who require an understanding of the intricacies of the legislative process as well as the political optics.Prior to joining Gaffney, Bennett and Associates, Mike worked close to 10 years as a lobbyist for a longtime, prominent lobbying firm in Hartford. Mike has wide-ranging experience representing the interests of major corporations, trade associations, organizations and municipalities in the areas of health care, energy, telecommunications, insurance, and consumer products.

Stephen R. Kinney , a partner in the firm, joined Gaffney, Bennett and Associates in 1985. A longtime political advisor to Democratic U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Steve played a pivotal role in Dodd's last four successful re-election bids and in his presidential campaign. Previously, he served as a member of Dodd's staff and acted as a liaison to the Connecticut General Assembly.

On the state level, Steve first earned his political stripes under former Democratic House Speakers Ernest Abate and Irving Stolberg. During their leadership tenures, Steve was principally responsible for coordinating the movement of legislative business on the House floor.

Over the past 30-plus years, Steve's coalition building skills, his knowledge of the legislative process, and his political "sixth sense" have become invaluable assets to the firm. His extensive government relations and political experience are highly regarded by lawmakers and other key decision makers in both Hartford and Washington, D.C. His counsel and expertise are regularly sought on a wide variety of subjects, including: health care, human services, general law, telecommunications, state regulatory and municipal issues, and budget and tax matters.