POLITICO reports that former U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-Napoleonville), who took a job as a lobbyist for the International Franchise Association in February after getting hammered in last November’s Senate election by incumbent Republican David Vitter, is coming home from Washington…

BREAKING – MELANCON OUT AT IFA: Well that was fast. Former Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) is leaving his spot as the International Franchise Association’s top lobbyist, a position he took in February, “to pursue business opportunities related to his broad experience in Washington and Louisiana,” IFA spokeswoman Alisa Harrison told PI in an email. Judith Thorman of the American Beverage Association replaces Melancon as senior vice president, government relations and public policy.

Melancon joined IFA after an unsuccessful run for Senate and oversaw the trade association’s political, lobbying, grassroots and PAC strategy. “This is something that was his choice, a mutual decision, and something he wanted to do,” Harrison told PI in an interview. “He had a desire to get back (to Louisiana) and try to pursue some business opportunities that he has there.”

Harrison said Melancon is a “terrific person,” who “helped out a lot” working the association’s issues. Melancon was unavailable for comment. Thorman will assume Melancon’s portfolio starting June 20. Thorman previously served as senior vice president of government affairs for the American Beverage Association and ran state programs. She has also worked in the Washington offices of New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean and Illinois Gov. James Thompson.

Well, OK then.

What those business opportunities might be is anybody’s guess. But it’s worth noting that Melancon sure didn’t last as a lobbyist.