AAPC honors hall of fame inductees

President Obama’s top campaign strategists have entered the political pantheon home to names such as Karl Rove and James Carville.

The American Association of Political Consultants has included David Axelrod and David Plouffe in its 2013 inductees into its Hall of Fame.

“Many of our members have marveled at how David Axelrod and David Plouffe have mastered the art of the modern political campaign,” Dale Emmons, president of the AAPC, said in a statement. “These individuals have proven to be defining figures in the world of politics and public affairs.”

Axelrod held the tittle of senior strategist to Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign while Plouffe was a White House senior advisor. Both men worked together at AKPD Message and Media.

Also included in this year’s inductees were New York-based Republican consultant Arthur Finkelstein and famed GOP pollster V. Lance Tarrance.

“I am excited to see this recognition for Arthur and Lance”, stated AAPC vice president Art Hackney. “From hard-edged messaging to the development of sophisticated demographic analyses, they have left an indelible mark on the next generation of consultants.”

The consultants were honored April 4 at a lunch at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C.