68 Comments - Lincoln's Penny - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:03 am: My vote is for “small town liberal”. He’s sarcastically witty and always timely. And if for nothing else you gotta give it to him for going against the GOP grain in his neck of the woods. - Small Town Liberal - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:15 am: Does this mean I can’t nominate wordslinger any more? That makes this much more difficult. I’d read this blog regardless of the comments, but I read the comments largely to see what wordslinger has to say. That said, although he’s a republican, I’d have to nominate Schnorf. He explains complicated fiscal issues in a way everyone can understand, and he’s an unapologetic old school conservative who doesn’t go for the antics of today’s GOP. - Spring - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:17 am: Vanillaman-Has he been banned? Let him back, I need his thoughts on the state of illinois. Honoroble Mention-Bill-He had a rough couple of years and stood by g-rod - Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:21 am: ===Vanillaman-Has he been banned? === Absolutely not. I think he may have burnt himself out a bit. It happens. Go back a few years and read comments and you’ll find people who no longer post here. To some it can become almost an addiction and they discover they’re not getting any work done during the day. Lisa Madigan, for instance, had to stop reading comments during the day and now only reads them after work. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:22 am: ===I read the comments largely to see what wordslinger has to say=== As do many, which is why the award is permanently named after him. - Leave a Light on George - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:26 am: =As do many, which is why the award is permanently named after him.= Be careful about naming trophies/awards. Look what happened to Jo Pa. - Skeeter - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:28 am: Schnorf exemplifies what this site is all about. The people commenting on this site are generally both well mannered and knowledgeable. The comments often add as much as the story. Of a crowd of good people, Schnorf stands out for providing good information and his unique experience and perspective. At times I do skip through some of the comments, but never his. A few others are worthy of mention including Small Town Liberal and Dirt Digger who rarely comments, but when he/she does, it is always interesting. - walkinfool - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:29 am: So many to great ones to choose from. First the runners-up: Wordslinger: zing-”ouch”, zing-”ouch” Cincinnatus: swords? plough shares? just get it right Schnorf: you call that data? I’ll show you what real data is Yellow Dog Dem: the big dog sure bites Oswego Willy: wit-filled flourishes AND the WINNER is: MichelleFlaherty: icepick maiden, “let’s bring it to the US Supreme Moot Court” turns of phrase, knows what’s really up, and what’s really down - Raising Kane - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:31 am: I have to go with Oswego Willy, if for no other reason that his hilarious post on Jason Plummer. He has just the right blend of sarcasim, irony and humor. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:34 am: ===Look what happened to Jo Pa. === LOL Well, if something truly bad happens we’ll just have to stop naming the award after him. - Grandson of Man - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:36 am: I like many commenters here. That’s why I keep returning. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite, but I’ll go with Wordslinger. I pick Wordslinger is because he or she (sorry, I don’t know Word’s gender) has liberal positions that s/he defends very effectively, and Word eloquently rebuts tea party like positions, like state workers have lavish benefits and salaries when others don’t. When people write stuff like Illinois is losing jobs in droves because of the income tax increase, Wordslinger is there with facts to disprove them. I began looking at corporations’ annual reports, thanks to Wordslinger. I wish I could roll Wordslinger, Yellow Dog Democrat and 47th Ward into one commenter, but for now I pick Wordslinger. The commentary here is high quality. I leave here often having learned something I didn’t know. Thanks to all for your contributions. - wordlslinger - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:40 am: –Be careful about naming trophies/awards. Look what happened to Jo Pa. – Joe Pa, seriously? - shore - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:42 am: 47th is underrated and a rising star. yellow dog has had a strong year. soccer mom or whoever that was who sounded like a kirk backer from the north west suburbs also had a great year. I’d go with 47th, they had a comment a few weeks ago that was more informative than the actual article you had posted. - Jake From Elwood - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:47 am: Schnorf makes me think the most, Michelle Flaherty makes me laugh the most, 47th Ward makes me nod in agreement the most, and Wordslinger makes me feel inferior the most. I guess I’ll go with the laughter. Michelle is the funniest gal in band camp. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:49 am: Thanks to Raising Kane and walkingfool. What makes commenting on this site is that you have to keep up with some great commentors or you can be eaten alive. For the wordslinger Golden Horshoe, I have to say cincinnatus, YDD, and schnorf are all worthy of consideration and make this place. My vote goes to soccermom. You get a little bit of everything with soccermom, and that’s where my vote went, to the versatility. soccermom is one of the posters I look forward to getting her take. This is one award, that there are so many worthy nominees, it great to hear other’s take on your favorites too. - Nitro - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:52 am: Schnorf- Because of his knowledge and historical perspective of Illinois government. There have been quite a few times I have copied his comments and e-mailed them to members of the current administration and said has anyone thought about this “because he’s right”. - wordlslinger - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:54 am: I thoroughly enjoy learning and laughing with the many thoughtful commenters here, too many to mention. But like last year, I go with Schnorf. He’s a guy who brings a lot of real-world knowledge and experience to the table, not just talking points and dogma. If he doesn’t know something, he won’t pretend that he does. If I may, I’d characterize him as a real conservative, a true-blue Main Street Illinois Republican, one who doesn’t demonize those who who might disagree with him on an issue, but instead seeks common ground with them to advance the common good. He doesn’t think government can provide all things to all people all the time, but he doesn’t think it’s the enemy either, and he knows that government has an indispensable role in ensuring the blessings of liberties for all. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but at least he’s pithy, not a blowhard like me. We could all use a lot more like Schnorf in the public arena. - tubbfan - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:57 am: How about Bill? As much as I disagree with his perspective on Blago, at least he’s consistent! - Leave a Light on George - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:58 am: =Joe Pa, seriously?= Sure. 1) You’re old and out of touch. 2) Your staff does all the real work. 3) Heard you voted for Blago then stood by why he #&*^! all of Illinois. LOL - Boone Logan Square - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:02 am: Many worthy candidates using many valid criteria, but my vote goes to the commenter with the highest chuckle per characters used. All hail Michelle Flaherty for consistent mastery of the art of the one-liner. Funny, incisive, and to the point. - Peter Snarker - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:07 am: I’ll nominate Dupage Dan. A regular contributor, but not so regular as to drown himself out and I get a very “everyman” feel from his postings. - unclesam - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:13 am: I place my entire weighted vote behind Steve Schnorf. Not only can he match wits and humor with the best commenters on this blog, he can back all his arguments up, and, most impressive of all, cut through your bs in five words or less. - unclesam - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:14 am: Also, Schnorf has the best hair of all commenters on this blog! - Way Way Down Here - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:20 am: I’m going with Bill. He’s like the unpredictable drunk at the end of the bar. You never know what is going to set him off. And like Rich said last year. He hates everybody. We need a little of that around here. - Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:30 am: Also, Schnorf has the best hair of all commenters on this blog! That seals it, I’m going for Schnorf, but only if Rich posts a pic showing that hair to the rest of the world. Seriously, reading Schnorf is like reading the financial section of the CapFax blog. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:35 am: ===Also, Schnorf has the best hair of all commenters on this blog! === Quite true. Last summer I threw a party at my house for my hippie friends. I told Schnorf he had to come because it was about time he started hanging out with people who looked like him. My friends absolutely loved Steve. At my next party, they all asked why Schnorf wasn’t there (he was out of town). The man can hold forth on just about everything. But his deep knowledge of music and the fact that his daughter once played in a band that my friends had all heard of made an impression on them that they’ll never forget. Also, he turned them on to Woodford Reserve. They loved that stuff. I usually try not to mix my local friends with my Statehouse pals, but I knew Steve could make the transition, being that he is the most interesting man in Illinois. - Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:39 am: i have to go w schnorf. he is gutsy enuf not to hide behind a nickname. and he always brings some facts or insight to the discussion. his opinions are well grounded. this is pretty much the only blog i spend time on bec the commenters, generally, are well informed. there are a couple who are automatic and predictably grating, but they shall go nameless. i think of the threads as bobbers that show me which way the current is flowing. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:41 am: The most recent Schnorf photo I could find… http://www.smorrill.com/images/bio_sschnorf.jpg - langhorne - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:41 am: previous anonymous post at 1139 was by me–i am on a hijacked computer. - Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:45 am: Schnorf. CapitolFax is at its best when it takes the two-dimensional caricatures of Springfield handed to us by the mainstream media, and adds depth, perspective, and forces us to ask and answer tough questions not just about the leading characters, but the folks behind the scenes, the scriptwriters, and the audience. To not just be consumers of one bad movie after another, nor just demand better films, but ultimately author our own destinies. And nobody does that better than Schnorf. I am humbled by the nominations, and don’t’ get me wrong…I can defend my party, trade barbs, fire zingers, and place Stubborn Facts front and center with the best of them…as can many people here. But I’m at my best — we’re all at our best — when we put partisanship, politics, and the desire to Win aside and see ourselves not as adversaries, but as allies sitting on the same side of the table trying to solve common problems for the Common Good. When we’re more like Schnorf. - Boone Logan Square - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:46 am: ==I usually try not to mix my local friends with my Statehouse pals, but I knew Steve could make the transition, being that he is the most interesting man in Illinois. == “I don’t always drink bourbon, but when I do, I prefer Woodfield Reserve.” - Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:52 am: By the way, I think I went to bed that night at about 2 in the morning. Schnorf and my friends stayed up for several more hours. - PublicServant - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:56 am: Can someone share Word’s blog URL? - Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 11:57 am: Definitely Schnorf. Always posts something that makes you go “Hmmmm,” and more often than not, produces the missing pieces to the puzzles that were lost long ago. - soccermom - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 12:14 pm: Oswego Willy — This made my day. Thanks! It’s hard to pick a favorite commenter — there are so many folks who are consistently smart, thoughtful, and tremendously well-informed. I am a huge fan of Schnorf, as any right-thinking (or even left-thinking) Illinoisan should be. He brings so much experience and institutional memory to the table. I always look forward to YDD’s comments. We usually agree — and when we don’t, I always take a moment to review my position for flaws. Haven’t found any yet, but… 47th Ward is a real sharpie, and I always look forward to seeing what s/he has to say. (And I appreciate that s/he only comments when s/he is truly knowledgeable about the subject matter. It shows superhuman restraint.) shore — I appreciate the shoutout, but if it was a Kirk backer, baby it wasn’t me. And Word — hey, you are the class of the category. If you want to meet IRL over the hols, tell Rich to send you my gmail account. But not at Lake Street Kitchen — they put bleach in my wine. Bleach!!!! And I don’t even think it was on purpose, which was truly unsettling. This blog is my greatest vice (sadly.) OW, you have my marker. Happy Holidays, all of you. And here’s to a new year of fiscal responsibility, corporate accountability and government transparency. Ho ho ho. - steve schnorf - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 12:22 pm: So many good ones on here, and the number is growing. WS of course, Cinci, mom, bill, michelle, the dog, 47, stl, occasionally anon… All the ones I’ve nominated and others I’ve neglected to mention, have things in common. They aren’t overly partisan, they open their minds to think, they think before they post, they don’t pretend to know it all, they know of what they speak, unlike me they don’t go postal on people, and more. It’s what makes this site so worth the time of reading and posting. - Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 12:25 pm: Maybe “pieces of the puzzle” isnt the right analogy; it’s much more complex than that. It’s more like he has a gift for placing blocks of institutional memory into the right sequence and patching up the missing pieces, thereby upgrading the quality and truthfulness of institutional knowledge–and then delivering the final draft with the ease and accuracy of the Book People in Farenheit 451. - Going nuclear - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 12:35 pm: I vote for YDD because his comments are usually very thoughtful. My political leanings are similar to regulars like 47th and STL, but I admire the more conservative Schnorf because he’s willing to engage and look for common ground. - PublicServant - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 12:54 pm: I vote for Schnorf too because of his information-filled comments, and because he reminds me of the guy in the Chevrolet Christmas commercial. Thanks for the link to his picture Rich. - Barton Lorimor - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 1:05 pm: = Also, Schnorf has the best hair of all commenters on this blog! = *sigh* - Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 1:15 pm: Heh. More media coverage of the award: http://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bradley-receives-golden-horseshoe/article_6c24ef22-2ca3-11e1-88ab-0019bb2963f4.html - Michelle Flaherty - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 1:34 pm: CircularFiringSquad. His/Her posts are so abrupt they make twitter seem like a novel, but the ongoing adventures of Billboards, Blinky and the rest of the GOP gang always leaves me in stitches. - reformer - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 1:35 pm: Schnorf bring an authority to his comments that is lacking in comments from most of the rest of us. He also calls ‘em as he sees ‘em, instead of being a predictable partisan like many of the rest of us. - Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 1:47 pm: I’m going to do a Time magazine thing and nominate the random posters who show up to advocate for some position knowing nothing about the blog. They toss in some barely informed talking point and are set upon by all of the regulars. The ones who try to stick with a silly talking point are then given a coveted “Bite me!” from Rich. Those random one-time, single issue posters help keep the blog lively and spark some of the most pointed comments from all of the folks listed above. My runner up is Todd for clearly elucidating the points of the gun lobby. He knows his job and he does it well. - Dirty Red - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 1:48 pm: I print off some of the comments Schnorf makes on this blog because they are full of good factoids. Whether it’s for my own reference, or finding the root of talking points both sides of the aisle, they come in handy. Tip of the hat to YDD and Oswego Willy as well. - soccermom - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 2:11 pm: Pot — Commenter of the Year: “The Richbiters” - soccermom - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 2:12 pm: And wordlslinger — take a look at your nickname. You have a li’l typo there…. - Jim Bray - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 2:18 pm: I vote Steve Schnorf, in part because he’s willing (and I guess he’s able) to use a real name and because it’s good to have a commenter here who remembers the budget detail that I erased from memory at the first possible opportunity. But Wordslinger is head and shoulders above all others. I agree with him so often that I only have to post once or twice a year. - Quinn T. Sential - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 2:35 pm: I like Schnorf if for no other reason than (if I can inject a Rodism here) the fact that he testicular fortitude to post under his own name. This could also be false courage from the standpoint that he no longer runs the risk of being terminated or experiencing other forms of political retribution than many others here do. I have to say however that I think the should go to 47th ward, primarily because he/she is articulate, intelligent, and when need be, subtle as a fart in church in communicating his/her opinion. He/she also demonstates this skill set in a way that can be a direct hit, or with the stealthness of the aforementioned gastric disturbance in a way which could be construed as silent; but deadly. - Quinn T. Sential - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 2:45 pm: Upon further review, I think I also have to give an honorable mention to Bill. He could be considered more regular than the control subject in the Metamucil test laboratory in terms of consistency of opinion. Bill also has the incredible gift of sarcastic wit in terms of his consistent position in issues, which is not always as easily perceived in the written word here. There can be no other explanation however for such a pathologically conisstent irrational perspective, unless of course Bill actually is Rod, in which case, all best are off and I rescind the use of the world honorable here because both honorable, and Rod should never be used in the same discusion, let alone the same sentence. - soccermom - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 3:00 pm: QTS — You raise an interesting point. Is it still correct format to formally refer to RRB as The Honorable Rod R. Blagojevich? Did he lose the Hon with the office? Is Miss Manners in the house? - Small Town Liberal - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 3:16 pm: - Billboards, Blinky and the rest of the GOP gang - Gags Brady makes me laugh every time. - I Love Springfield - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 3:41 pm: Even if the Commenter award is already named for him, Wordslinger still deserves to win because he saves so many of us so much time from needing to respond ourselves to posters of blatantly facile and divisive rhetoric. Wordslinger hits his marks true and fast! - And I Approved This Message - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 3:42 pm: If Lou Gehrig can die of Lou Gehrig’s Disease I don’t see why Wordslinger can’t win The Wordslinger Award. But for the sake of sharing the wealth my vote is for 47th Ward. Insightful and fact based comments with a dose of snark when necessary.I enjoy the perspective and often learn something. - Zool - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 3:47 pm: Quinn, that’s “testicular virility.” Soccermom, technically, I think he’s still gets the term honorable but you’d add after his name “(Ret.)” Have never seen it before, but a more appropriate honorific would be “The Honorable Rod Blagojevich (Imp.)” or maybe (Imp./Con.) I vote for Shnorf, then Oswego Willy. Schnorf adds information and background, which is why I check in regularly to this site. Oswego, because he’s pithy, without a double layer of snark. - Cuban Pilot - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 3:59 pm: Oswego Willy should win. He always brings the funny. Funniest guy on here. He probably won’t win due the outpouring of support for Schnorf. However, with Jason running for Congress in 2012, Oswego Willy should have enough material to make a serious run at the title in 2012. Good Luck Bro. Runner-up is Schnorf for actually using a little thing called “facts” in his arguments. Funny that Rich posted that photograph of him. I had never met the man, and, in my mind, I always pictured Schnorf as a stereotpyical geek with glasses due to his highly analytical comments and due to the fact that his name is Schnorf. Turns out I was completely wrong. - Wensicia - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 4:25 pm: After word, 47th Ward, Cincinnatus, Yellow Dog, Oswego Willy stand out. But I appreciate all of the commenters here, a great group! Rich does an excellent job of keeping out the jerks. Special mention, MrJM. - steve schnorf - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 5:03 pm: I appreciate the nice comments. I now usually wear my hair in a pony tail, and thereby look much lest sophisticated and more like a nerdy hippie. - steve schnorf - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 5:09 pm: …old nerdy hippie. - Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 5:13 pm: @Schnorf - I’m certain that if Rich had introduced us at the Rail, I’d remember you. Look forward to talking to you soon. Drop me a line. Rich knows how to find me. - Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 5:13 pm: Dirty Red, Zool, and Cuban Pilot. Appreciate the props … And I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays. Thought this would be the best post to do that since we are honoring the commenters. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Rich. Make sure you take a step back some time from your lil’ community here and enjoy this as much as we do. Thanks! - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 5:15 pm: That last post was mine … I am a “newbie” here and forgot to post a name … I apologize. - Cincinnatus - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 6:17 pm: Schnorf, unless Wordslinger is eligible. - circularfiringsquad - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 6:30 pm: Thanks forth support. In the spirit Of the. Late Steve Neal it helps to have fun while.telling the truth. We vote for. Schnorf - PublicServant - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 8:09 pm: Actually Rich, in the spirit of the season, shouldn’t you also have recognition of the most articulate partisan commentors? - x ace - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 9:24 pm: MR. Schnorf may wish to celebrate the plaudits with VanWinkle Family Reserve 12 year old ( or the 15 yr old by VanWinkle, if can find a bottle). Distilled just up the road from Woodford and a most worthy neighbor. - mokenavince - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 9:26 pm: Cincinnatus and Wordslinger both do a great job day in and day out.Their the best of a pretty goood lot. - downstate commissioner - Thursday, Dec 22, 11 @ 10:07 pm: Decided not to vote for a first place person-too many good people on here arguing both (scratch that, ALL) sides. Actually, though probably not eligible for the contest, I vote for Rich; he sees all sides, and doesn’t go over the top commeenting on issues on HIS blog. I agree that Todd does an excellent job of articulating his (and my) position on gun issues and deserves honorable mention. P.S. Merry Christmas (in a very non-religious specific way) to all who comment here; you entertain and educate me every day… Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.