Washington » Rep. Jim Matheson's longtime chief of staff is leaving her Capitol Hill job to become a lobbyist.

Stacey Anne Alexander, who has served as the Utah Democrat's top staffer since he took office in 2001, will be leaving this week, according to Matheson's office. Her replacement has yet to be named.

Alexander did not return a phone call or e-mail about her new position, but Matheson spokeswoman Alyson Heyrend said Alexander is moving to a small boutique lobbying firm in Washington. Heyrend said she had no other details.

It's not uncommon for chiefs of staff to become lobbyists. The last people to hold this position for Utah Sens. Bob Bennett and Orrin Hatch as well as former Utah Rep. Chris Cannon also left public service for the lobbying sector.

Because of House rules, Alexander won't be able to lobby Matheson's office until one year after her employment ended.

Alexander's husband, Cory Alexander, a former top staffer to now-Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, is a health-care lobbyist.

Thomas Burr