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Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Text from a Democratic pal regarding the Golden Horseshoe awards…

Honestly, that entire Issues staff deserves a Horseshoe They’ve pulled together when the whole world was shooting at the Speaker (and indirectly each of them); pulled off record number of wins; and worked together to change their internal environment. They’re holding each other accountable and changing their environment from within to make it more professional and more welcoming. Those staffers are so hard working and collectively don’t get the credit they deserve.

Somebody’s gotta win, though, and the 2019 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Illinois House Democratic Campaign Staffer goes to our 2018 winner, Tiffany Moy…

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.

* The 2019 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Illinois House Republican Campaign Staffer goes to Matt Eddy…

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.

Several of you nominated Jayme Odom and she is indeed awesome, so she deserves honorable mention.

* Today’s categories…

* Best campaign staffer - Illinois Senate Democrats

* Best campaign staffer - Illinois Senate Republicans

Remember to explain your votes or they will not count. Also, do your very best to nominate in both categories. Thanks and have fun!

10 Comments

- mcdouble - Tuesday, Dec 10, 19 @ 2:14 pm:
Has Dan Egler ever won? He deserves it as he does work tirelessly for the GOP caucus and he is a great guy in general. Although he does like Indiana basketball.

- Daisy - Tuesday, Dec 10, 19 @ 3:32 pm:
Best Senate GOP staffer is Kyle Foutch. He is always on top of his issues and very helpful. Plus he has a passion for politics.

- Moderate Repub - Tuesday, Dec 10, 19 @ 3:32 pm:
Senate R’s - Nick McNeely is the the guy every member wants to run their campaign. If you are going to be in a campaign “gutter brawl” - you want McNeely beside you holding the knife.

You need oppo? Watch McNeely’s face when you ask him to dig, he looks like he opened the chocolate bar and found the golden ticket. He finds rocks under rocks.

Politically, there is no one better the McNeely from that caucus. Just ask Senators Neil Anderson and Dale Fowler.

- Truthiness - Tuesday, Dec 10, 19 @ 3:39 pm:
On the Senate Dems side, Bobby Johnson (with Koehler now and Belt in 2018) does a great job. He puts in the work on the doors, grows and encourages the volunteer base, and has a good grasp on issues voters care about. Bobby should be on a Tier 1 race this year if Koehler doesn’t need him.

- HorseingAround - Tuesday, Dec 10, 19 @ 4:00 pm:
Miles Sodowski for Senate Democrats. Not content with doing a great job on the legislative side with marijuana and everything else, Miles also works incredibly hard on the campaign side. His most recent campaign victory with Aud Crowe is proof of this. Having a first timer Democrat in downstate Illinois is tough these days but he never shirked the hard work necessary to win.

Unfortunately I don’t have enough knowledge about Senate Republicans to answer.

- Pinky - Tuesday, Dec 10, 19 @ 4:18 pm:
Dan Fristrom for Senate Dems!!! He is organized, kind and knowledgeable. Great leader and does his best to make the rest of the campaign staff comfortable and happy!! Dan is the best.

- Yellow - Tuesday, Dec 10, 19 @ 4:23 pm:
The Senate Dems are lucky to have Magen Ryan back to lead the way. She doesn’t shy away from a challenge, can write a field plan like no other and understands how to communicate with members and staff alike. She is a solid choice.

- Anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 12:37 pm:
Two young guys for the Senate Rs that stepped up and produced this year were Adam Zmarzlinski and Jake Ford. Both jumped in and helped candidates get across the finish line with petitions and are always ready and willing to help with any member, any candidate and any task. Good young staff for SGOP.

- Smoke - Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 12:46 pm:
The Senate Republicans have some really solid and dedicated campaign operatives. It’s tough to go through an election year like 2018 and stay focused on the next election cycle. Two of the new blood that the Senate has brought on continue to fight the tide against them and support the caucus.

Jake Ford and Adam Zmarzlinksi never flinched when asked to get petitions for the caucus this year. Rain, snow and wind storms didn’t stop them from getting the job done. I respect their dedication and expect to see great things from them next year.

- AuroraNative137 - Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 1:42 pm:
The Ds have a professional and dedicated field planner in Megan Ryan. She has a bright future ahead of her.

The Rs have a stand out with the young Adam Zmarzlinsky. Always there, rain or shine.

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