SPHERE ADDS FORMER POMPEO AIDE: Sphere Consulting, the public affairs firm founded by Jim Courtovich, is adding Patrick Fleming as a vice president. Fleming was previously a senior policy adviser to former Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) and also worked as director of transition after President Donald Trump nominated Pompeo to lead the CIA. Fleming is also a former aide to Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), who chairs the Freedom Caucus. He’ll be working on transportation, financial services, aerospace and defense issues, according to the firm, in addition to some international work. Mahmood Abu-Rubieh, a recent George Washington University graduate, is also joining Sphere as an associate.