56 Comments - Chicago Cynic - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 11:26 am: Louie Mossos is an absolute class act as Cullerton’s head of policy. A veteran of the office who left for the private sector before coming back, Louie can always be counted on to do his homework, listen and learn. - LizPhairTax - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 11:37 am: Jo Johnson is the GOP she-Louie Gwen Peebles is gone but not forgotten. Smart cookie who knew her subject matter better than anyone. - SWF - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 11:54 am: Senate - Louie Mossos. Knowledgeable, reliable, and trustworthy. Bonus points for best dressed staffer in any caucus. House - Ben Lazare. Has some tough issues and really knows his stuff. - 300 - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 11:55 am: It may not be campaign year, even though campaigning is very much occurring, but “political” legislative staff work darn hard all year round. Excluding them but making room for best bar is poor form. Consider this an objection, sir. - Anonin' - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 12:01 pm: Let’s go with Kevin Kulavic. ..bright young SeNateGOPie and Ben Lazzare on House Dems. Both getting bigger assignments all the time - Object - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 12:03 pm: While I understand it’s not an election year, the campaigning never ends and I’d argue that this nonelection year has required more political work from staff than years past. Consider this a respectful objection as well. - horse w/ no name - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 12:07 pm: Mark Jarmer is a consummate professional who knows his stuff and has been a calming presence in a policy arena that has people freaking out pretty bad. - Stones - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 12:20 pm: Another vote for Jo Johnson. Brings her A game every day! - Give Me A Break - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 12:25 pm: House: Ben Lazare who handles really tough issues like human services. He knows his stuff knows who the players are and knows how to make things happen. Senate: Carrie Ramsden is really one of the best I’ve ever worked with. Nothing gets by here and she can drill down in agency budget like no else and find things that no can. - Horseshoe winner from way back - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 12:37 pm: Senate staffer: Andrew DeYoe on legal. He’s sharp, but importantly he is accessible, friendly and willing to listen/help. He handles some complex issues and still manages to return calls promptly during session. House Staffer: Ben Lazare, hands down. He is all over Medicaid and is always so cool, calm, and collected. Very agreeable to listen to issues and work on projects. He exudes confidence in meetings and cracks me up when he kicks his feet up on the desk in his office, no matter who is there. PS - could agree more about Robin. She’s simply the best. Congrats to her! - Anon - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 12:40 pm: My vote is for Dave McEllis (formerly Usellis). Throughout this entire year he has been at the center of many big, tough issues: Right-to-Work, Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation, 9-1-1, Energy and Environmental Policy, and so on. He is one of Gio’s go-to people and top legal/political lieutenants. On top of all those accomplishments, he is a pleasant, learned individual. - The 773 - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 12:50 pm: I object as well. The odd years lay the ground work for the even years. Politics is everywhere and that should also include a Golden Horshoe. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 12:52 pm: OK, OK, I relent. But only if the complainers make full nominations in today’s post. - Spectrum Spook - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 1:10 pm: === Senate - Louie Mossos. Knowledgeable, reliable, and trustworthy. Bonus points for best dressed staffer in any caucus. === Ill agree that Louie is knowledgable, reliable and trustworthy - but best dressed? The bow tie has to go! - Missing G - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 1:15 pm: Bow ties are cool - Michelle Flaherty - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 1:17 pm: Senate: Dave McEllis. Tireless workhorse who gets the details while also recognizing the big picture. A rare combo. Willing to tackle the tedious and transformative with same enthusiasm and commitment to excellence. - Overpaid State Worker - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 1:20 pm: I echo the sentiments about Ben Lazare. He is incredibly kind, patient, and insanely smart. Can’t speak on the Senate though, sorry Rich. - Anon - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 1:22 pm: Senate- Mike Hofmann. Always knowledgeable and accessible. House- Ben Lazare. Especially now with Gwen gone it will fall on his capable hands to be a staff leader. He is always in the know and willing to help. - 302 - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 1:22 pm: Senate Dave McEllis is my favorite! he is a hard worker with a smile on his face at all times House EJ Hall has always been very helpful id he doesn’t know the answer he finds out for you! - Hoping for Rational Thought - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 1:30 pm: HOUSE - Ben Lazare hands down. Medicaid and human services issues are extremely complex plus there is a lot of emotion. Ben does an excellent job of asking the right questions to learn and communicate as appropriate. He knows who to talk to when questions arise to find the correct answers. SENATE - Angie Sidles SGOP She knows how to keep track of all the wackiness and deals with it in proper context. Smart, practical, and helpful. - Gator - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 1:39 pm: Andrew DeYoe on legal Senate Dem staff. He is truly one of the best to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable on issues and always able to reach. Andrew is willing to assist in all situations. He is a great person on top of being an outstanding worker. - Wretched Refuse - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 1:56 pm: I echo Horse, above: For the House, Mark Jarmer, Mark Jarmer, Mark Jarmer. He’s a hard worker who strives for accuracy and fairness. He’s professional but maintains a great sense of humor and never takes out his frustrations (which are many!) on undeserving parties. He cares sincerely about his topics, the people he works with, his work, and the people affected by his work. In a building filled with trust issues, Mark is as honest and transparent as they come. If he has info that he can’t share, he doesn’t take pleasure in withholding it–he just doesn’t share it. As his duties have increased over the years, he’s been a prime example of the saying that the reward for good work is more work. He also seems to make a point of engaging younger staffers so that they develop their own confidence and knowledge. With higher ed being hung out to dry this year and the tension in that caucus surrounding Rep. Dunkin, who is one of Mark’s chairs, he’s been surrounded with extra levels of craziness and dealt with it with class and integrity. Speaking of integrity (theirs, not mine), I can’t give just one Senate nomination, because both Dave and Catilyn McEllis of the SenDem legal staff are definite Golden Horseshoe material. Both are really smart, honest, and extremely hard-working. They can view issues and problems from multiple perspectives and ask good questions. They can speak “legalese,” but unlike many lawyers, they can still communicate really well with regular folk. They’ve been charged with some big, divisive labor issues (Dave), same-sex marriage (Caitlyn), and other big time, controversial stuff that has required nuance, sensitivity, and an enormous amount of work. They work in an environment filled with egos and drama without exhibiting either. Many staffers keep to their own groups—lawyers with lawyers, comm staffers with comm staffers, etc.—but Dave and Caitlyn rightfully have friends and admirers everywhere. They’re thoughtful, funny, good people who care enormously about their work. They’re big assets to their staff and the state. I doubt you’ll find kinder people in the Capitol. - Hedley Lamarr - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 2:16 pm: Where’s the love for John Charles on the Sen Dem’s staff? - Running Horse - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 2:17 pm: Best House Staffer: Ben Lazare aka “60″ - Favorite Time of Year - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 2:34 pm: Senate: Jo Johnson is one of the most talented staffers in the General Assembly. She gives sage advice to her members and is always willing to lend a hand. She is well respected by her colleagues and her peers in both chambers. House: Justin Cox deserves some recognition. Hands down one of the most knowledgable staffers in the building. He handles some of the most important issues in the General Assembly and is respected by members and staff. He jumped in to fill Heather Vaught’s shoes while she is on maternity leave. He’s doing two jobs and makes it look easy. Runner ups: Ashley Jenkins and Kalyn Hill had a hell of a year. They worked tirelessly on the police reform package, arguably the most important bill passed this year. They are both bright, talented, and hard working. - Spliff - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 2:47 pm: Senate: Dave McEllis. Always a class act on whatever topic he is dealing with (large or small) and a heck of a soccer player. House: I’ll support Ben - 217 - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 2:51 pm: Senate: Dave McEllis. A workhorse, not a dressy showhorse. He understands the issues on a big picture level and a in detail. A smart guy who is always willing to learn. - Spliff - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 2:53 pm: Hedley - John Charles works for SIU for a few years now. - Don Sevener - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 3:04 pm: Nancy Hill, administrative assistant to Sen. Cunningham. Nancy is an extraordinary assistant, professional, efficient, thoughtful, and knowledgeable. Plus, she’s a saint, having served for Ed Maloney for a decade! - Poll Watching - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 4:17 pm: For the House, Jessica Basham. You MUST give props to the budget director in a year when all they have been doing is fighting over the budget. For the Senate, Louie Mossos and Jo Johnson are some of the best legal eagles ever. They can spot issues and problems on the spot. They are also pleasant and very helpful. Plus, who doesn’t like bowties? - I MISS QUINN - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 4:19 pm: ​Louie Mossos in Senate.  Knows his stuff, been around for a very long time in various capacities. He’s got a guy for everything. Justin Cox in House.  Smart and really really busy.​ ​Plus both these guys are the Energy guys for House & Senate, among other things, so it doesn’t get more complex than that! - 618 - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 4:39 pm: Senate: Dave McEllis, he is a smart, fun, social person who is great at his job and serves his Caucus well. Ashley Jenkins is also very worthy but Dave has been in the eye of the storm all year with work comp, right to work, etc. House: McEllis House Dems counterpart for all the same reasons. - Space Cowboy - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 4:49 pm: Senate: I’ll echo those who vote Jo Johnson. She wears several hats (SGOP chief legal,Jud staffer, ethics officer) and goes all out. If you go to her with an open mind, you’ll get great advice in a constructive not-condescending way. She’s been in the game for 30 years and knows it well. Also keeps a giant pile of candy in her office for visitors who need a little sugar boost. Extremely hard worker and irreplaceable. House: I’m not as familiar unfortunately but I will say that I have had good experiences and heard good things from many about Matt Harbour. He has been with HGOP for awhile and has valuable institutional knowledge on local gov. Enjoyable to chat with as well. - Ned Nederlander - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 5:01 pm: House: Justin Cox. He handles the biggest issues and makes his members look good doing so. He stepped up naturally in Heather’s absence. An incredibly smart and good guy. - Just Me - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 5:02 pm: I’m always amazed at how smart Frank Straus is with the House Republicans. He has the uncanny ability to get to the heart of any issue in an instant, and his knowledge and wisdom are unmatched. Sorry, I don’t have much experience on the Senate side. - LizPhairTax - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 5:07 pm: Sticking with Jo. Jo is awesome. Would be an oversight if we didn’t acknowledge that Ashley Jenkins won $25k and change on Wheel of Fortune. Respect. - 300 - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 5:38 pm: Mark Jarmer — Always responsive to emails and calls, even if the news is bad. Consummate professional with a calm demeanor. - Corporate Sellout - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 5:49 pm: Senate: Andrew DeYoe. He staffs two tough committees with seriously complex issues (Insurance, Licensed Activities). Senators seem to look to him for (and respect) his thoughtful answers to questions that come up during floor debate. Great work ethic, professional, and goes above and beyond to handle whatever is thrown at him. House: Justin Cox. 9-1-1 was no easy project but he played a huge role in making it happen. And he’s stepped up a ton while Heather has been on leave. - Owen - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 5:52 pm: Senate - Mike Hoffman - He is simply the most knowledgable education staffer in the capitol. He is a great guy and knows how to get things done. House - Ben Lazare - Ben has staffed the house human service committee for a couple of sessions now and actually comprehends appropriations human service and medicaid issues. He has dealt with medicaid and understands the process and knows how to succinctly explain complex issues to anyone. Not to mention that he has to answer questions from 70 plus members. He works hard and it shows how critical he is to house dem staff. - Don's Rhythm and Blues - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 6:10 pm: Senate - Andrew DeYoe on Senate Legal Staff hands down. Andrew handles some of the most complicated issues involving healthcare and insurance before the General Assembly and does so in exemplary fashion. He’s also the Medical Cannabis expert! He always has time to answer your questions, take your call, or discuss an issue, and does it with a smile no matter how taxing a day. A true professional through and through. House - Jarmer. He takes the time to work with you is and is always professional. - santa - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 6:16 pm: Senate: having worked in both chambers, Mossos is the go-to guy for many members on both sides of the rotunda when they need educated on a high profile issue. He is currently Cullerton’s senior advisor. You will have a hard time finding someone more knowledgeable on such a wide variety of issues. He can bring members together when an agreement needs to be reached and he is always willing to share his expertise with other staffers. His cuff links and bow ties are snazzy as well. House: lazare- for all the reasons already stated. - Brooklyn Reuben - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 6:28 pm: Senate–Andrew DeYoe on Senate Dem Legal Staff hands down. Andrew handles some of the most complicated issues before the Senate involving healthcare and insurance. He’s also the medical cannabis guy! He is always the professional, ready and willing to talk or meet with you, always returns your call, and does it with a smile even on the most taxing days. He knows his stuff and is one of the nicest people you will work with at the State House. - Brooklyn Reuben - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 6:30 pm: Sorry, forgot the House. Jarmer. He’s the man! - Corporate Sellout - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 6:40 pm: Senate: Andrew DeYoe. He staffs two tough committees with seriously complex issues (Insurance, Licensed Activities). Senators seem to look to him for (and respect) his thoughtful answers to questions that come up during floor debate. Great work ethic, professional, and goes above and beyond to handle whatever is thrown at him. House: Justin Cox. 9-1-1 was no easy project but he played a huge role in making it happen. And he’s stepped up a ton while Heather has been on leave. - Brooklyn Reuben - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 6:44 pm: Senate Andrew DeYoe on Senate Dem Legal Staff hands down. Andrew handles some of the most complicated issues before the Senate involving healthcare and insurance. He’s also the medical cannabis guy! He is always the professional, ready and willing to talk or meet with you, always returns your call, and does it with a smile even on the most taxing days. He knows his stuff and is one of the nicest people you will work with at the State House. - Object - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 7:49 pm: House Justin Cox - he manages to brief members on some of them most complex issues in order to debate on the floor, not an easy task to do. All while keeping his cool. One of the nicest guys around the capitol too. Senate - goes to Dave McEllis for the reason already stated. - Steve Rogers - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 8:29 pm: Senate: The man with hair carved from marble and suits so fine they could only have been tailored by the hand of some deity. It’s gotta be Andrew DeYoe on Senate Dem Legal Staff. We’re talking about a man whose grasp of the law is so strong that it may cause the law chronic pain that necessitates a medical marijuana license, which is only legal and obtainable because of the work Andrew put into that bill in the first place. How could it be anyone else? You want to talk accessibility? Try calling his desk in the depths of session; he’ll answer your question, shine your shoes, do your laundry, clean your house so fast, so well you won’t know what hit you… or offered you measured, thoughtful insights into pending legislation and the Senate’s business. But of course you will know because it only could’ve been Andrew. Just give him the award already. Sheesh. House: Mark Jarmer. Don’t know him. Don’t really work with the House. But that guy sounds great. Rack ‘em up, knock ‘em down. - Springfield Junkie - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 9:15 pm: Senate: Catilyn McEllis- incredibly knowledgeable and willing to help anyone House: Justin Cox- an energy expert, he puts in the long hours and keeps everything under control - Notorious Sam - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 9:50 pm: Definitely going with Elias “Louie” Mossos and Jo Johnson for Senate. In the House, it goes to Justin Cox. These are the people who have all the answers. Between the three of them, they make life easy for all lobbyists under the dome. We need more like them - Just Sayin ... - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 9:52 pm: Mark Jarmer is just a solid for the House Dems. He works hard and is always willing to discuss issues surrounding higher education with passion. A real professional staffer. - Jerry - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 10:33 pm: House - Nick Bellini You won’t find anyone more loyal to the House Republicans. He’s their go-to guy for downstate campaigns and is trusted and respected by every member of the caucus. He may seem a little gruff, but that’s because he’s always busy and has his head in the game. Bellini has my vote. Senate - Nick McNeely McNeely is the Bellini of the Senate. I can’t think of anyone on staff I would rather have working a committee my bills are in. He’s smart, thorough and direct. He’s definitely one of the best. - Bad Motor Scooter - Thursday, Dec 3, 15 @ 11:14 pm: House: Clayton Klenke - The HGOP’s budget director is one of the hardest working guys in the Capitol. In a crazy, unprecedented year, Clayton has kept his cool, staying focused on providing members & staff with top-notch service. For the Senate GOP, I’ll second Nick McNeely. Not only did he oversee the only pick-up for the Republicans last year, he also managed Andrew Proctor’s upset win against the Cahnman in Spfld. He continues to prove himself as one of the best political operatives in the state. And he’s solid on the legislative side, negotiating complex issues & providing sound advice to the SGOP. - Gentlemen, behold! - Friday, Dec 4, 15 @ 4:46 am: Strong vote for Louie Mossos, legal/policy chief guru at senate dems. He’s everywhere and some how always find-able, even though his office is hidden next to Senator Nolands. He handles top issues for Cullerton, has all the research and knowledge at his fingertips, but at the same time looks like he never breaks a sweat. Senate dem staff is luck he came back from being a private lobster at a prestigious firm to work for them in Springfield For house staff - Ben Lazare is a great asset, hardworking and knowledgeable. - whiskey - Friday, Dec 4, 15 @ 5:53 am: Definitely have to agree with Jerry. Both Nicks are what caucuses are needing. Smart, loyal, and both know what they need to get the job done. There really aren’t any better campaigners and both deserve a lot more recognition and credit than the recieve! - buffalo soldier - Friday, Dec 4, 15 @ 7:20 am: House - Justin Cox, easily. He’s smart, friendly, fair-minded, and you know that leadership listens to him. Senate - Kristin Richards. Cullerton and his caucus are the best-prepared and most-thoughtful on budget matters and it is largely because of her. - Rauner was in Slytherin - Friday, Dec 4, 15 @ 9:57 am: Senate: Dave McEllis–super nice guy, hardworking and smart. He’s got my vote. House: Mark Jarmer–He knows his stuff and it’s not easy Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.