He recently became a partner and chief executive at AKPD Media and Message in Chicago, which is best known for its work for politicians.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Del Cecato and Grisolano of AKPD also visited in the spring and summer, at least twice with Mr. Axelrod, who was deep in the health-care fight.

WSJ: Strassel: Axelrod's ObamaCare Dollars

Mr. Axelrod, the White House and a partner for AKPD didn't respond to requests for comment on their role in HEN, the tapping of Mr. Baldick, and the redolent hiring of AKPD.

WSJ: Strassel: Axelrod's ObamaCare Dollars

They included John Del Cecato and Larry Grisolano (partners at AKPD), as well as Andy Grossman (who once ran the DSCC) and Erik Smith, who had been a paid adviser to the Obama presidential campaign.

WSJ: Strassel: Axelrod's ObamaCare Dollars