Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards
Monday, Dec 9, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The 2019 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Non-Political Illinois Senate Democratic Staffer goes to the voters’ clear favorite Giovanni Randazzo…
You got a problem? You go to Gio. If a Member has a problem, they go to Gio. He has his hands in everything. He’s partisan (as he should be), but very fair when he is on the podium. No one stays later or puts in more hours. The time he has spent on the political side gives him the full prospective - which is why most of the members seek his advice.
Seasoned, old school and professional. That’s Gio.
* The 2019 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Non-Political Illinois Senate Republican Staffer goes to Scott Hurrelbrink…
Unsung hero of Senate Republican staff. Long time appropriations Director who would absolutely hate being nominated. Its just his way. But if you need to know something as a lobbyist or as a member he always finds the answer. That’s saying something coming from the super minority and the smallest caucus under the dome. His staff love him, and because of his tutelage, they are all sharp and on their toes.
Affectionately known as Hurl, he’s an institution under the dome.
Congrats!
* OK, let’s move on to today’s categories…
* Best campaign staffer - Illinois House Democrats
* Best campaign staffer - Illinois House Republicans
Remember to explain your votes or they won’t count. Also, please do your best to nominate in both categories. Thanks and have fun!
- Keyboard warrior - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 10:45 am:
Ryan tozer for house gop (Time for a back to back winner). I think he’s been to every corner of the state to help the caucus and never complains…at least not to the leader.
- the old man - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 11:00 am:
I nominate Matt Eddy for best GOP campaign staffer. It is surprising what he has done with and for Reps. Bryant, Severin, and Windhorst. He is on House communications staff staff, but spends his FREE TIME OFF PAYROLL, constantly planning for the next campaign. Basically he is all over southern Illinois, would hate to see his gasoline bills. Does all this and has two small children and he is active in their lives too. His wife must be a real jewel to let him put so much time in for the cause.
- Neverland - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 11:25 am:
Brian DePasqua for house dems. He managed two successful campaigns last year in districts that could not be more different. He keeps a low profile and gets the job done.
- Soccermom - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 12:02 pm:
I love Tiffany Moy (Democrat, obvs). She’s smart, chill, and endlessly capable.
We met on a campaign that was challenging for a number of reasons, and we didn’t always see things eye to eye. But she never took her eyes off the prize, and we could not have won without her.
Since then, she has been a consummate professional. She never drops the ball, she never loses her temper, she never complains — I can’t imagine a better colleague and fellow soldier.
She makes me look forward to the next race.
- SouthernIL - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 12:12 pm:
I second the nomination of Matt Eddy for best GOP political staffer. He goes above and beyond for his members and has successfully defended primary opponents for Reps Bryant and Severin. As far as Southern Illinois goes, Matt is a key player in continuing to win republican seats.
- McDouble - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 12:22 pm:
I’m not sure how Jayme Odom does not get it for the house gop. I have seen first hand how she has rebuilt the HRO - candidate recruitment , protecting members and the whole 9 yards.
- Powdered Whig - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 12:23 pm:
I agree with the nomination of Tiffany Moy. The House Dems wouldn’t be able to do it without her.
- Elliott Ness - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 12:28 pm:
Matt Eddy goes above and beyond. Usually wins but does it with class and cares about his candidates reputation. He is a tireless worker and knows the business.
- DuPage Staffer - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 12:41 pm:
I would not be the staffer I am today without the mentorship of Tiffany Moy
- Longtime / Firsttime - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 12:41 pm:
I second the nomination for Jayme Odom. She puts everything she has into doing the best job she can, night and day, heart and soul. And most importantly, she delivers.
- Sylvia - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 12:45 pm:
I would personally say Tiffany Moy. She’s one of the most professional people I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
- On the sidelines - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 2:01 pm:
House Dems: Iris Schweier had an amazing election season. She won a tough race in the metro East. Iris is also a pleasure to work with she is reasonable, smart, and down to earth. There wasn’t a problem she couldn’t handle.
- Annonin' - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 3:51 pm:
Tiffany Moy great choice. Cool under fire. Don’t know GOPie staff. Sorry
- Prairie State Prince - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 4:56 pm:
HGOP - Jayme Odom. She stepped into a difficult role, and has excelled. She’s a hard worker, true professional, and a wealth of knowledge.
- Southern Belle - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 5:13 pm:
Matt Eddy for GOP House Staffer. He works. He wins. He mentors.
- Ghost of staffers past - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 5:17 pm:
Tiffany Moy would be a great choice - tough but still friendly and personable, gets the job done.
But I’m nominating Craig Willert solely for ending the practice of waiting in line outside the state board of elections the weekend before filing day. Hero.
- Guv'nah Bond - Monday, Dec 9, 19 @ 8:21 pm:
HGOP: Jayme Odom. Hands down. Has reinvigorated the staff side of HRO. Walks Members through problems & issues every hour of the day. Has brought new level of accountability and engagement. Knows her stuff…and knows other people’s stuff. A pro.
- Metro East guy - Tuesday, Dec 10, 19 @ 8:46 am:
House Dems: it’s clear by the comments that Tiffany Moy will win this one but Iris Schweier deserves an honorable mention. She ran the most expensive race in the entire state and pulled it off by less than 400 votes. All the odds were stacked against her and let’s not forget Donald Trump even visited the region twice last year. She’s smart, driven and knows how to get a job done.
- Tribe - Tuesday, Dec 10, 19 @ 1:41 pm:
Kylie Kelly deserves it this year. She’s someone staff and members can turn to when they need things. She’s a great mentor to women and men on both the state and political sides. The House Dem political staff has had to deal with a lot of ups and downs this year, and Kylie and Tiffany were instrumental in helping Willert keep things moving. These are two powerhouse and dynamic women, but Kylie should get the nom this year.