Former Democratic congressman and gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell is starting a new job Monday with the Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm Patton Boggs.

Bell told the San Antonio Express-News that the job plays to his strengths. He will work to bring in clients and develop a public policy lobbying business in Texas for the firm.

Bell finished second to Gov. Rick Perry in last year's election. The former Houston city councilman gained attention as a freshman congressman. He filed the complaint that led the House Ethics Committee to admonish then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay for ethics violations.

Bell argued for ethics reform during his gubernatorial bid. He says it won't be difficult to work as a lobbyist after emphasizing ethics. He described Patton Boggs as “a very ethical firm'' and says he'll conduct himself properly.