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WASHINGTON Vice President Mike Pence is relying heavily on former aides from his congressional and gubernatorial days to staff his new office.

The majority of the 18 aides Pence has announced hiring have previously worked for him. Five have been registered lobbyists in Washington. His chief of staff, Josh Pitcock, is among those who fit both categories.

Pitcock started in Pences congressional office as a legislative assistant and rose to chief of staff. When Pence became governor, the state contracted with Pitcock to lobby for Indianas interests in Washington. Pitcock continued that post while also working on the vice presidential campaign.

Vice Presidential Chief of Staff Josh Pitcock, second from right, looks on as President Donald Trump meets with automobile company executives in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Jan. 24, 2017.(Photo: Pool, Getty Images)

Others who worked for Pence before, and are doing so again, include:

Other aides Pence has announced include Mark Paoletta, an expert on congressional investigations both from serving on a House investigative committee and from representing clients who faced congressional panels. Hes recently been a lobbyist with DLA Piper where his clients included Oracle Corp. and the PGA Tour. Paoletta's resume also includes helping the George H. W. Bush Administration with the confirmation of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. Pence chose Thomas to administer his oath of office Inauguration Day. Paoletta will be Pence's top lawyer.

Pence also announced Wednesday hes tapped retired Army Col. Andrea Thompson to be his national security adviser. Thompson is a career Army intelligence officer who has also worked for congressional committees.

Contact Maureen Groppe at mgroppe@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @mgroppe.

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Pence tapping former aides, and some lobbyists, for VP office staff - Indianapolis Star