Ken Cunningham began his public policy and political career as a Research Analyst for the Iowa House of Representatives. After assisting with a successful congressional campaign, he followed newly-elected Congressman Tom Tauke to Washington to work on legislation.
Senator Chuck Grassley invited Ken Cunningham to join his new Senate team in 1981, which marked the beginning of a 25-year working relationship dedicated to resolving the many challenges facing Iowa and the nation.
Ken's responsibilities grew from that of Legislative Assistant to then Legislative Director. For the final dozen years, Ken Cunningham served Senator Grassley as Chief of Staff and General Counsel, providing legislative and political counsel as well as guidance to assure compliance with the law, Senate rules and ethics guidelines.
Throughout those three decades, Ken at one time or another handled most legislative and regulatory subject matters facing Congress. His primary focus involved the areas of energy, taxation, transportation, environment, telecommunications, agriculture, appropriations, and agency oversight.
Since leaving his position with Senator Grassley, Ken Cunningham has advised and represented clients who are among some of the most prominent law firms and companies in the nation. He has served as an advocate and consultant in diverse areas including taxation, intellectual property, bankruptcy, investigative oversight, telecommunications, trade, healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid, advertising, federal budget and appropriations, antitrust as well as financial institutions and securities.
Ken Cunningham earned his Juris Doctor degree at the Georgetown University Law Center. He is a Magna Cum Laude and Epsilon Sigma Scholastic Honor graduate of Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.