Last week we broke the news that Entertainment Software Association's founder and president, Doug Lowenstein, was quitting. While not confirmed by the ESA nor Lowenstein, official news that the founder is leaving not just the ESA, but the industry for a job in finance is expected this coming week.

As we prepare for what is sure to be a very busy week, I did some digging around to see what Lowenstein is currently pulling in. According to the February 2006 National Journal, the political insiders' bible, Lowenstein made $620,250 in fiscal year 2004 and another $174,006 in benefits, making his total income $794,256. That year, the latest on record for the NJ, the ESA had revenues of $18, 335, 764.

While the high salary may go a long way to attract suitors for the job, I'm not quite sure who the industry and the association would want to fill Lowenstein's shoes.

The Motion Picture Association of America got their knight in shining armor back in 1966 when Jack Valenti, a political consultant for Lyndon Johnson, resigned his White House commission to become the one of the most influential lobbyists in American history.

I think instead of drawing from the industry, the ESA needs to follow the MPAA's lead and land a skilled and politicked lobbyist. Make no mistake, this will be the most important thing the ESA has ever done. Brian Crecente