I’m honored to be recognized by the AAPC. This is a win for our entire team. It really validates the work that we’re doing and it puts us in the company of the best of the best. It feels great to be recognized for our methods, strategy, and insights, particularly because we’re a young company working in such an established industry.

Rob Autry, Founder of Meeting Street Insights

We are honored and excited to share that Meeting Street Insights founder, Rob Autry, has been named the 2020 Republican Pollster of the Year award by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC).

The AAPC is a multi-partisan non-profit organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. Their Pollies Award is the most prestigious in the industry, honoring excellence in campaign mechanics and strategy. Winners are held to the highest standards of performance, integrity, and high ethical standards.

The award recognizes Rob Autry’s work on the Dan Bishop Campaign, a special election that took place in North Carolina’s Ninth Congressional District. The Bishop Campaign used polling early and often in the primary, leading to a decisive win in the crowded Republican primary of ten candidates. In the end, the campaign saved time and money by avoiding a costly runoff election. 

After securing the nomination, attention shifted to the general election just four months away. The Bishop Campaign had to act quickly. Initial polling showed Dan Bishop with a significant image deficit and an unenergized political base. Rob worked closely with the NRCC polling team to craft and test messaging that successfully persuaded voters that Bishop was the right choice and motivated reluctant voters. Rob’s insights and data were particularly successful in identifying a tremendous opportunity in rural portions of the district and with non-traditional Republican constituencies.

Throughout the course of the special election, Rob’s strategic polling was used to help the campaign adjust messaging, targeting, and grassroots efforts that would succeed in the evolving electoral landscape. The end result was a victory in an election few thought Dan Bishop could win.

See all the 2020 Pollie Award Winners here.

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