27 Comments - Sharon - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:20 am: Senate Dem - is it even a question? John Patterson. Transitioned to his new leader flawlessly and kept their messaging just as strong as his former boss. And most importantly, the best sense of humor in the entire Capitol. Senate GOP - Rachel Bold. One of the assets of the SGOP operation in keeping a tiny caucus continuously relevant in a blue state! - Boss 302 - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:36 am: My vote goes to Aaron Holmes Sen. Dems great guy knows his stuff! Ann Saggins on Rep. staff she makes it all work! - SO ILL Dawgs - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:46 am: Senate GOP - My vote is for the Jo Ellen Johnson. Jo is a professional of the highest caliber. She has worked across the aisle for decades to get things done. Even when the SGOP was pushed into superminority status, Jo was able to fight and secure language and ideas her members wanted. She has given her professional life to the Senate and is an institutional caretaker. I could go on and on about her professionally, but I think it is also just to close with her as a person. The Jo Ellen I know has a huge heart. She is always willing to bring people under her wing and to reach across the aisle for friends. And because it has to be said, her love for animals (or at least cat) is unmatched. When she retires at the end of this end, the Senate will be a lesser place, but still richer for having had her all these years. I wish her the best and thanks for everything Jo Ellen. - Swedish Fish - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:55 am: Senate GOP - hands-down, Jo Johnson! She has great institutional knowledge and was always a tough negotiator. The GOP caucus was very lucky to have her all those years. She will be tough to replace. Senate DEM - I’d have to go with another legal eagle, Giovanni Randazzo. Not only does he keep the trains moving on time, but he can tell you what happened in some obscure political race from 40 years ago. Even more impressive are his staff lawyer selections the last few years. He’s hired a very talented and diverse group of attorneys. - best time of year - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:58 am: Both caucuses have great candidates, and both are losing/lost incredible talent. This year, I recommend Kristin Richards and Jo Johnson. Senate Dem - Kristin Richards knows more about the budget that all of GOMB combined, and she’s left the Senate to fix one of the biggest problems in the state (IDES). Her years of commitment to the Senate members and their caucuses cannot go unnoticed. Senate GOP - I honestly do not know how the Senate GOP will function without Jo. I’m not even sure the new leadership team has any clue all of the things she has done for the caucus and its members. Her institutional knowledge alone is breathtaking. Over the years she has had to deal with some pretty difficult members, and she has always managed to keep them out of trouble despite themselves. She is respected by all four caucuses and anyone who has worked with her knows she’s smart, capable, and hard working. Plus she’s just a tremendously good human being. - yeah... - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:04 pm: Senate Republicans - Rachel Bold. Normally Rachel wins the Golden Horseshoe for best campaign staffer (won Anderson twice and Rezin) but she wasn’t on campaign this year, so of course she should be in the running for non-campaign staffer. Rachel has killed it as the Senate Republican Comms Director, making sure the caucus stays relevant on everything from the LaSalle Veterans Home to JB’s botched COVID response. A total asset to the caucus. Senate Dems: Giovanni Randazzo. Just consistently one of the most competent and essential staffers in that caucus. - Jammin like Marley - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:12 pm: Rachel Bold. In a year that has been so difficult there are few things as easy as a vote for Rachel Bold for the best the SGOP has to offer. Dealing with members, especially at a time when everyone on the R side feels they aren’t being heard is enough to cause a slight case of insanity for most but Rachel handles it so well and provides and level of assurance and guidance that defines what it is to be staff. - Thoughtful - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:22 pm: Senate Dem: Giovanni Randazzo. Gio is always a wealth of knowledge on various legislative issues. He has the historical knowledge that is always helpful when trying to draft or modify legislation. Professional, helpful, detailed-oriented, always willing to hear all sides of an issue all around great person who is very deserving of the 2020 Horseshoe Award for Best Senate Dem non-campaign staffer. Senate Republican- Jo Johnson great person who is a breathe of knowledge and a great person to work with. She works across the aisle in order to try to negotiate the needs of the senate republicans caucus. Like Gio is the utmost professional and hardworking individual and very deserving of the award. - Metamora Marvin - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:29 pm: Senate Dem- Aaron Holmes. It has been so incredible to watch Aaron Holmes rise to where he is today. From an entry level gig, to being in charge of the Policy and Budget department, Aaron has done it all. (With a year in between, working in the Governor’s office.) He is always ready to help the new person on staff but also plays such a vital role in guiding the state budget year after year. No one works harder than Aaron! Also, his Illini are NOTHING BUT NET this year! - The Other U.S. Presidents from IL other than Lincoln - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 12:57 pm: Senate Republicans: Lori Yates. Lori is arguably one of the hardest working staffers in the whole Senate GOP. As District Planning and Member Services Director, Her leadership and drive pushes herself and her team to generate truly large and well attended events from scratch all year round for GOP Senators. From coffee chats, advisory committees, special events like a huge business expo in Southern IL, events for high school students like one this past spring before COVID that had over 100 kids alone at the capitol for Chapin Rose, and a memorial wall for service members who made the greatest sacrifice for our country during memorial day week. When COVID hit, Lori saw the importance of her department in connecting people devastated by this pandemic with their Senators and helping to advocate for their needs through virtual events and outreach. Her work not only helps people become more involved and engaged with the democratic process and Senate Republicans better connected and responsive to their constituents, but reminds us that dedicated professionals like herself, who work nearly 24/7 and always give 110% on the job, will help our state survive and overcome this pandemic stronger than before. Senate Dems: John Patterson. A true professional whose hard work and dedication helped kept the lines of communication open and constant during the hardest of circumstances. The Senate Democrats should be grateful to have him. - Swan Song - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 1:15 pm: Senate Dem: Giovanni Randazzo is always professional. He is always reasonable, but represents his leader and members well. It’s a pleasure to work with Gio. Senate GOP: Bill Schneider is a top notch expert in criminal law. He knows his stuff, works hard and is a tremendous asset to the caucus. I also second the comments about Rachel Bold. She’s a huge asset to the caucus. - The Most Anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 1:20 pm: Good for Jordan. I’ve always respected her and was impressed by the Governor’s messaging and availability during the early days of COVID. We all get a glimpse of her professionalism during those briefings, but no doubt she handles so much more. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 3:14 pm: Senate Dem: Brandy Renfro. She keeps the SenDem coms team running and the member messages flowing across numerous platforms all with professional skill and grace. Senate GOP: Jo Johnson. Now who’s gonna herd the cats? - Dupage Dave - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 3:17 pm: == Transitioned to his new leader flawlessly== Guess you forgot about this: https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/11/durbin-piles-on-harmon/ Senate Dems: Giovanni Randazzo has forgotten more about the legislature than most people know. Even after transitioning to a new president, Giovanni remains one of the most trusted and knowledgeable advisors in the Senate Democrats caucus. Senate GOP: Brendan Connor is fair, knowledgeable in a vast array of subject areas, and always a friendly face around the Capitol complex. - Vegas Party - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 3:33 pm: Jo Johnson for senate GOP. She didn’t play any games and was tough as nails. In a world where you can’t get a straight answer, Jo never beat around the bush. Gio Randazzo for Senate Democrats. He’s served under 3 different senate presidents and is one of the smartest lawyers to walk under the Capitol Dome. Gio also has a unique insight into the political aspect of the job that just can’t be taught. - Sharon - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 4:52 pm: Wow really DuPage Dave? No need to pile on someone who was nominated. - Max’s Mom - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 4:58 pm: Senate Republicans- Rachael Bold. Hardworking, great asset and knows her stuff - Raising Kane - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 5:03 pm: Senate GOP, I vote for Rachel Bold as well. She has a great way with members and is creative and thoughtful. And lets be honest, that isn’t the easiest caucus to work with. Senate Dems. John Patterson has done a good job transitioning from Cullerton to Harmon. He’s provided continuity and humor along the way. - NeedA VacationNow - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 5:05 pm: I would like to echo the nominations for Jo Johnson for SGOP. Jo has been a cornerstone, not just for SGOP but for the Senate as a whole. Jo has always worked openly and cooperatively with the other side of the aisle and others whose opinions may have differed from her members. Jo is an effective negotiator, a hard worker, and an amazing human being. The Senate as an institution will suffer a huge loss with Jo’s retirement. For the Senate Dems, Giovanni Randazzo is a shoe-in. Gio is the hardest working person in the Capitol and his breadth of institutional knowledge is unmatched. He has mastered numerous subject areas and always finds time to chat about them with any one interested. Gio is friendly, intelligent, and extremely professional. The lawyers in his shop are always top notch which is also a testament to his leadership abilities. Gio has been the other cornerstone for the Senate and a true treasure to the Senate Dems. Gio is truly deserving of this award. - Sheldon - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 5:42 pm: I second Jo Johnson. She’s as smart as they come. GOP members have come and gone, but she has been there for decades. She can look at an issue and tell you exactly how a similar issued played out over 10 years ago. On the Democrat side, Senate President Harmon is well served by Giovanni Randazzo and Jake Butchery. Top notch professionals who have been able to effectively navigate the very diverse caucus. - Jameson - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 6:31 pm: Senate Dem- Ozie Goodwin is always cool,calm and collective. He had to deal with members, legislative assistance and staffers tracking him down to make sure their bills/amendments were going to be on the Assignments report. At the same time he also had to track down members on leadership to hold the Committee on Assignments which is no easy task. He recently left staff and he will be missed. - Happy Holidays! - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 7:13 pm: Senate Dem - Aaron Holmes! He adapted to his new role as Policy & Budget Director during an unprecedented year and worked incredibly hard to do so. He always gives the credit to his staff but deserves recognition for all that he has accomplished this year! SGOP - Kyle Foutch! Kyle is an all-round nice guy who is a pleasure to work with. He is honest and always helpful when working with staffers across the aisle. - Girl power - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 7:29 pm: Going to showcase two amazing women in both caucuses. Senate Dems: Brandy Renfro. Brandy helps with the communication efforts for her 40 soon-to-be 41 member caucus. Not an easy feat for her and her staff. As a house member, I must say I was envious of the amount of support the senate dems received as we don’t have our own in house staff. During this pandemic, Brandy and team helped members communicate with their constituents on the various resources available from BIG grant information to COVID testing availability. She also helped with press conferences, townhalls, info sessions for grants etc. When I’ve dealt with brandy she’s the utmost professional and incredibly helpful. She definitely deserves the nod. Senate Republicans: Jo Johnson. When I’ve had the opportunity to work with Jo, she’s a pleasure to work with. Professional and knowledgeable, she is willing to listen but also works hard to advocate for the needs of her members in the senate republicans. I couldn’t agree more with the other folks who have nominated Jo. Very deserving of the nod as well. - Leigh John-Ella - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:08 pm: If I may add on to “Girl Power”, Brandy doesn’t just help with communications, she runs communications for the Senate Democrats. All of those things — member press conferences, social media, townhalls, telephone townhalls and so much more internal work — happen because of her long commitment to and understanding of that caucus as she’s risen up the ranks over the years to be Communications Director. She’s kept building and made Senate Dem communications better than ever. - SO ILL Dawgs - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 8:30 pm: Senate Dems: There are so many great rank and file staffers in the Senate Democratic Caucus. However, for too long Brandy Renfro has not received the credit she justly deserves. She claimed through the ranks first by being an incredibly talented photographer with one of the best eyes in the business to a creative force transforming a department. She is a hardworking individual with inventive ideas that is always looking to make her caucus shine. - Kel Varnsen - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 9:21 pm: Senate Dems: Brandy Renfro, in a year where communication is a vital public service. Her work to keep Senate Democrats proactive in providing helpful and accurate information to the public stands out at a time when that kind of outreach is needed most. - ComsStaff - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 11:09 pm: == Girl power - Wednesday, Dec 16, 20 @ 7:29 pm: Senate Dems: Brandy Renfro. Brandy helps with the communication efforts for her 40 soon-to-be 41 member caucus. Not an easy feat for her and her staff. As a house member, I must say I was envious of the amount of support the senate dems received as we don’t have our own in house staff. During this pandemic, Brandy and team helped members communicate with their constituents on the various resources available from BIG grant information to COVID testing availability. She also helped with press conferences, townhalls, info sessions for grants etc. When I’ve dealt with brandy she’s the utmost professional and incredibly helpful. She definitely deserves the nod. == Wholeheartedly agree with the words about Brandy. She is awesome. Not sure why this nomination had to include a backhanded slap at the House staffers who do this exact same work. Real classy. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.