Politics | David Axelrod Pay Cut, Scrutiny Await Axelrod in DC Consultant's finances would come into sharp focus By Kevin Spak Posted Nov 13, 2008 10:13 AM CST Copied Advisers, David Axelrod, right, and Robert Gibbs talk with the media en route with Barack Obama to a primary night rally in St Paul, Minn., in this June 3, 2008 file photo. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) David Axelrod would pay a steep price to follow his most famous client to the White House, Politico reports. Barack Obama’s right-hand man would probably have to sell his stakes in the lucrative consulting firms he founded and open his finances to public scrutiny. Axelrod’s firms have collected more than $35 million since 1998 for various political and lobbying jobs, including $2.5 million from Obama’s campaign. How much Axelrod pocketed isn't clear, but oit's certainly enough to dwarf a $200,000 government job. “Money is not the driving factor here,” said one consultant. Obama and Axelrod’s friendship “goes beyond a traditional client-consultant relationship.” But Axelrod would also be exposing Obama to questions about his firm’s past dealings; the RNC chairman says people should compare Axelrod to Karl Rove, who gave up a similar firm in 1999. Read These Next Her blood isn't compatible with anyone else's. Some of the most explosive Diddy allegations are dropped. Fan who taunted Ketel Marte's mom has been banned by MLB. NJ lifeguard survives after being impaled by an umbrella. Report an error