Yesterday morning while in Detroit for a rally against General Motors at the Auto Show, I got a call and was informed that I had made “The most influential US conservatives” list, which is Telegraph.co.uk’s list of the conservatives who most influence American politics.

The list of 100 names has been a source of great controversy in the past, and anyone who’s name appears on the list is generally viewed as someone with significant influence in the political process. The Telegraph included a good column that explains their process of deciding who makes the list.

The first lists, produced exactly a year before the 2008 election, sent then unprecedented traffic to the website and generated controversy that resonated on American cable television and talk radio for weeks.

Since then, more than one political figure has approached us to inquire gently about what position they might occupy second time around. Some have cited their 2007 positions in publicity and biographical materials.

The difference between our new lists and the ones published last time reflect the unprecedented political and economic upheaval that has happened since then – as well as, we confess, some cloudiness in the Crystal Ball we used in November 2007.

Selecting just 200 key political figures in such a diverse, ideologically divided and profoundly dissatisfied country in a time of recession and two wars was not an easy task. We sought counsel from sources and contacts across the political spectrum and became embroiled in vigorous internal debates before finalising our choices.

I never in my wildest dreams expected my name to appear on the list. But much to my surprise, I came in at #87, and to be there is nothing short of one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had.

To be honest, I feel there are a plethora of “conservatives” that should probably be there ahead of me. I’ve worked on some tremendously successful projects in the past two years, several of which have no doubt been very influential. But I credit that to a group of people involved, not just myself.

Either way, it is what it is. This is a great honor and I hope to do what I can to continue furthering the movement for liberty in America.

-Eric Odom