* Nominations for the Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.Com Commenter of 2020 were a bit all over the place, but Oswego Willy’s nomination of OneMan really hit the mark. OneMan was once a blogger’s blogger, but now he posts here and on Twitter (under his real name, which I won’t divulge). I’ve known him for quite a long while. He truly deserves this award…

What’s so incredibly special and important about his comments in our 2020, - OneMan - has been so true to his politics, and honest to the facts applying them. Not once did I read a mental gymnastics to talk politics to his political takes. In an different time, while our politics were (and still are) shades different, his honesty to his politics were unwavering in a political season wanting shading as its base.

To science, - OneMan - was honest to the pandemic, and adding to his comments to this, he added anecdotal importance to thought, not overshadowing or overpowering his factual points. The comments were complete, whole, well-rounded, and always thoughtful to these harrowing times, I made sure I read his thoughts.

To the governing, - OneMan - saw and was plain, no real frills, and that has been great. When it came to the governing during the pandemic, the real and truthful honesty to his thoughts communally stood out. -OneMan - wrote to the real once again, and I found myself rethinking my own thoughts as well.

* Runner-up is Candy Dogood, who started posting here in earnest shortly before we lost Wordslinger. Whenever I read Candy’s stuff I think Wordslinger would’ve enjoyed the banter…

Candy always seems to get to the heart of the issue or discussion. Candy’s responses to other commenters are to the point and factual. Candy doesn’t resort to petty bickering. I’m not a political insider, but to me Candy’s comments are insightful and meaningful to whatever topic is being discussed. I always pay a little extra attention to Candy’s comments.

And the great RNUG receives a very honorable mention.

* So, to recap…

Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.Com Commenter: OneMan

Best Use of Social Media in Illinois Politics: Hannah Meisel

Lifetime Achievement: Kathy Murray

Best Senate Democratic Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager: Jan’et Scott

Best Senate Republican Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager: Shannon Hogan

Best House Democratic Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager: Jessica Genova

Best House Republican Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager: Rachel Tabor

Best Senate Democratic Non-Campaign Staffer: Brandy Renfro

Best Senate Republican Non-Campaign Staffer: (Tie) Jo Johnson and Rachel Bold

Best House Democratic Non-Campaign Staffer: Chris Lowery

Best House Republican Non-Campaign Staffer: Eleni Demertzis

Best House Republican Campaign Staffer: Jayme Odom

Best Senate Republican Campaign Staffer: Brent Ellis

Best House Democratic Campaign Staffer: Tiffany Moy

Best Senate Democratic Campaign Staffer: Nick Gianinni

Best Legislative Liaison: Amanda Elliot

Best Statewide Staffer: Ellen Andres

Best Spokesperson: Jordan Abudayyeh

Best Agency Director: Dr. Ngozi Ezike