Nickles to start consulting firm: "Sen. Don Nickles is about to become The Nickles Group.

"The Oklahoma Republican and Budget Committee chairman said yesterday that he will start his own political consulting and business venture company after he ends his 24-year Senate career next month.

"Declaring that he wants to be 'not only successful but also significant,' Nickles told The Hill that he will take his experience and several top staffers with him to K Street.

"Nickles, who was elected to the Senate at age 31 and turned 54 on Monday, said he is looking forward to the challenge of starting his own business. It will be 'fun to see how it takes off,' he said."