>> a knowlegeable individual with respect to government regulation and the players in Congress <<
But of course, he certainly wasn’t a “lobbyist” for these folks. Just a hardworking historian, doncha know!
Newt left elected office after only 20 years in Congress. That is short by most standards. He was a lightening rod & eased out by his GOP cannibalizing colleagues (who are still there)!!
Even if he had wanted to make a living as a K-Street lobbyist, there was no possibility - he had no leverage.
Could he have returned to academia for income? Doubtful, he had been denied tenure earlier in his career.
What did he do? Wrote educational books and began a consulting company to help people navigate the corridors of power and punishment. He found a need and filled it.