Kellyanne Conway sparks controversy after receiving AAPC award

Earlier in March, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway was given the American Association of Political Consultants, or AAPC, MVP award.

The association's decision to honor Conway has sparked controversy among its members, reports Politico.

According to the media outlet, Democrats and Republicans alike have asserted that Conway's alleged violations of the AAPC code of ethics should have disqualified her.

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Highlights from the listing of behaviors expected of AAPC members include treating "colleagues and clients with respect and never intentionally [injuring] their professional or personal reputations," and declining to appeal to voters using, "racism, sexism, religious intolerance or any form of unlawful discrimination."

The code goes on to stress that members must use honesty in relationships, "with the news media and candidly answer questions when [having] the authority to do so."

Members must also pledge to decline support to, "any individual or organization which resorts to practices forbidden by this code."

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The AAPC MVP award was given not long after the Office of Government Ethics urged the White House to investigate, and possibly punish, Conway.

Their recommendation was made in response to Conway's promotion of Ivanka Trump's clothing line on Fox News' 'Fox & Friends.'

Conway's comments on the show included, "go buy Ivanka's stuff," and the lengthier endorsement, "This is just wonderful line. I own some of it...I'm going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online."

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