34 Comments - Snave - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 11:41 am: Contract - Ron Holmes. He’s smart and current unlike a lot of the dinosaur lobbyists clinging on to the last of the old guard legislators. Everyone has a role when you’re on his team, making him great to work with. People turn to Ron for valuable advice and insight: legislators, staff, candidates, other lobbyists, reporters. He’s just good, and good at what he does. - Mr Naperville - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 11:48 am: Best Contact Lobbyist - Andrew Bodewes. He’s forgotten more about pensions than most people will ever know. That the same guy can represent TRS and FOP is a testament to how smart he is and how hard he works. He’s also a great mentor to staff and a genial presence around the members. Best In-House Lobbyist: Not sure if he’s in-house or not but Scott Selinger is a stand-up guy. - Savor - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 11:54 am: In-House - Madeline McCune. She is new to the lobbyist side after spending many years on staff. But was incredibly impressive her first go around, she is able to articulate what her membership concerns are as well as work a bill just about as good as anyone I have seen. - Illinois - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 11:54 am: Has anyone else been the driving force on getting 2 Constitutional Amendments passed other than Marc Poulos?! Nope. He is a star in so many ways. He manages to accomplish so well and is teamed up with another great guy in Dave Sullivan. His effort on the Workers Rights Amendment puts him at the top of the list! Khadine Bennett is such an effective advocate for so many causes. She rises above! - Pot calling kettle - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 12:01 pm: Michelle Paul (IFT in-house). Michelle is a wealth of knowledge about Springfield and the state. She provides excellent guidance to the IFT and to legislators. Michelle helps members who want to work with legislators and to those wanting to run for office. She also played a key role in the election of Mary Kay O’Brien to the Illinois Supreme Court (MKO specifically called Michelle out - along with Julie Curry - in her speech at her swearing in on Monday). - Annonin' - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 12:20 pm: Best Lobbo Contract: None better than Liz Brown, proved results and can talk with members in both chambers of both parties. Best Lobbo In House: Not sure what the actual title is but Joe Miller IGB does a great job make the ideas from legislature and the administration make sense. - Gentlemen, behold! - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 12:29 pm: For contract lobbyist, I vote for Stephanie Vojas Taylor. She should be in the running for SIU Law alumni of the year, as her career trajectory has been nothing short of amazing, rising from senate legal staff, ITLA in-house, ABDI in-house and General Counsel, Micheal Best, and now her own firm. But for those of us who are lucky enough to work with her, Stephanie’s career was what we all expected, as she is one of the hardest working and most effective lobbyists under the dome. Her personality is effervescent and she is able to bring people together because of that. In a world where often folks in Springfield mistake kindness for weakness, Stephanie proves time and again that effective lobbyists and lawyers don’t have to come in the packages that many expect. With strong relationships, dedication, and razor sharp intelligence, Stephanie Vojas Taylor is the whole package as a contract lobbyist. For best in-house lobbyist, I nominate Scott Reimers from the Illinois State Medical Society. He is a work horse with a quiet confidence that those around him greatly admire. You cannot exclude him as a “show horse” because he has a track record of success that is absolutely enviable for someone in a job that most likely requires tracking and weighing-in on a large portion of bills filed before the General Assembly. For some of us, we are only rueful that Scott is no longer in public service. As has been commented on this blog before, if there were more people like Scott Reimers in state government, we would be much better off. For now, we all are lucky to have a role model like Scott Reimers working as an in-house lobbyist with such skill and integrity. - Midwest Maven - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 12:34 pm: Best Contract: Bukola Bello, dedicated is an understatement. She works tirelessly her work with Planned Parenthood especially in this current climate has been remarkable. In House: Khadine Bennett. Always positive and motivated. She is truly an asset to the ACLU. - Proud Papa Bear - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 12:40 pm: In-House: Mike Ziri of Equality Illinois. In a time of virulent attacks on the LGBTQ community, he’s fighting the good fight and travels throughout Illinois. I’ve seen him meet with large groups as well as hold meetings with just two participants. He listens to everyone’s concerns as if they’re the most important person. Because of his leadership, me and my fellow parents of LGBTQ individuals have seen legislation passed that has made life immensely better for our loved ones. - Captain Fax - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 12:47 pm: Best contract - Hands down Bukola Bello, who else can be assertive without being pushy? She is an outstanding person towards staff and knows her subject matter. There is no contest here folks. - The Harold Angel - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 12:48 pm: Contract Lobbyist–Mona Martin is as professional and effective as they come. She’s well-liked and trusted by members on both sides of the aisle. She does it all with little fanfare. If your client is being cornered, Mona can help find a way out of it. In-House–Lori Hendren at AARP. She’s fierce, dedicated to her cause, and as smart as they come. The whole AARP team knows where they want to go and usually get there. Lori is relentless. Again, you want her on your side. - Tom - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 1:02 pm: I agree there are none better than Mona Martin, Honest, hard-working, and a straight shooter. She goes above and beyond. If she cannot get the job done with the original plan, she always has plan “B” and backup plan “C” in the wings. Tough as nails and an all-around good person, you want on your team. As far as in-house lobbyists, my vote is for Mike McDermott at Verizon. Mike has years of experience, knows the ins and outs of issues and quietly gets things done. - Suburbs - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 1:05 pm: Marc Poulos is the best. His work on the Workers Rights Amendment is such a substantial benefit to people and it was no easy task. That makes him in an excellent class all by himself. He is also a great person. Big fan of Scott Reimers at the Med Society. He is such a class act. - NotRich - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 1:23 pm: 150 Rules!! Poulos.. hard worker, smart, just wins. - Uncle Merkin - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 1:44 pm: In house has to go to Marc Poulos from the operators. He works harder than anybody, does his homework on every subject, is a pro to deal with whether you agree with him or not, and most importantly - gets results. Two constitutional amendments, capital bills, prevailing wage improvements, gas tax deals with the Gov. and all leaders. Anybody would jump at the chance to get him on their side. Contract - Dave Sullivan. Who has the respect of every staffer and agency head the way Dave does? He knows everybody, treats everyone well and can take partisanship out of big issues. Remember at the end of the movie Casino, when Ace is talking about how great Vegas used to be - “they knew your name, knew what you played, knew what you drank” - that’s Dave. A guy who reminds us of how to do things the right way and make things work. - Southside Markie - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 1:52 pm: Contract: Stephanie Vojas Taylor. Agree with what was previously said. Additionally, she wins by being reasonable and the kind of nice person you know that you can trust and deal with. In House: Mike McDermott. For the same reason that Hawk Harrelson and Pat Hughes got the Frick Award: Tenure. When you’ve been doing that kind of job for that long, you’re obviously doing something right. Mike is that and more. A consummate professional who knowledge and skill makes his work stand out even though he may not. Also, another really good guy who is easy to get along with, which makes him hard to say no to. - Reality Bites - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 1:56 pm: Best Contract Lobbyist: Hands down is Liz Brown. She’s everywhere all the time. She is the best at handling a roll call and actually being truthful with her clients and she knows her topic areas in and out. Just head and shoulders above the rest. Best in house: Khadine Bennett. Khadine has a huge hand in making Illinois the reproductive rights haven it is now. She is knowledgeable and knows how to listen and address people’s concerns. She’s a first call for so many people in the state on major civil and reproductive rights issues. Just the best imho. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 1:56 pm: Best Contract Lobbyist There are a very small handful of folks in this category that can be seen, as a whole, as a person who understands the relationship part of lobbying while advocating for clients that others might deem tough. How he goes about his business for his clients is predicated on first, maybe even last, it’s he that’s the one asking. I nominate Dave Sullivan for Best Contract Lobbyist If you look at the stable of clients and how Sullivan handles his and their business, Sullivan stands out because it’s Sullivan and his own reputation and regard carrying so much to shoulder the needs of his clients. Best In-House Lobbyist The wonky nuances while understanding the politics is a burden the in-house lobbyist has to navigate better (arguably) than other type of lobbyists. It’s the focus to the specific, while working the political, let alone legislative language and relationships. I nominate Scott Reimers for Best In-House Lobbyist Reimers understands his client’s needs, the political nuances, the legislative wonk and has the relationships to deliver as best possible for the Med Society. - Avocado Toast - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 2:01 pm: Best In-house: Look no further than Laura Minzer. Laura runs the show for the insurance world in Illinois. Her knowledge on complex insurance issues is unparalleled. She is patient, always available, and willing to work with any stakeholder no matter the issue. She is one of the hardest working lobbyists I know. If the bill touches insurance, you bet that Laura will be in the room advocating for her members with a straightforward and compelling grace and knowledge of her position. Laura has helped build the infrastructure of massive insurance initiatives in Illinois, such as telehealth. She navigates negotiations with respect, and for that she has obtained a high level of respect from legislators and lobbyists alike. She deserves so much more than a Golden Horseshoe, but her nomination would be a great start. Contract: Rob Uhe is straight forward, honest, kind, and incredibly intelligent. His clients are lucky to have him. Look no further than Rob! - A Plus - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 2:16 pm: Best contract lobbyist goes to Liz Brown. The woman is everywhere, knows everyone and can get anything done with a smile on her face. She’s trustworthy, which isn’t always a given in this business. And she works her butt off for her clients. She’s one of the best connected people in Springfield for good reason— because she’s good people. - A plus - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 2:17 pm: Second for Khadine for best in house. She had a tough job this year and preserved the good work done on equity while others lied about it and tried to roll back progress. - CapObserver - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 2:21 pm: In-house: Khadine Bennett is the best around. Someone else above said she’s the driving force on repro, which is true. But that ignores all the other big and little things she gets done - criminal justice issues, privacy, etc. She’s truly a rock star. Contract: Dave Lowitzki - there aren’t many “dogooder” contract folks. But Dave gets things done, and has had his hands in so many big progressive wins. Whether it’s taking on the big bad nursing home industry or raising the minimum wage or starting new funding for youth sports or emergency response for mental health crises, his wins are impressive. - RIver North Watcher - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 2:34 pm: In-house: Khadine Bennett — no other choice. Yes, she is a powerful force on the recent repro rights wins, but she also manages a portfolio of issues including criminal justice and policing reform and privacy. She is unfailing kind and gracious and always makes people feel heard. Contract: Second for Ron Holmes. - NotMe - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 2:56 pm: In House: Khadine Bennett. She’s always prepared and organized and constantly thinking of ways to get over the finish line. Contract: Dave Lowitzki is one of the most thoughtful and thorough folks working in the progressive space. His good nature and humor help navigate some tough terrain & his relationships cross party and ideological boundaries. - JoeMaddon - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 3:30 pm: In-house lobyist: Khadine Bennett - no one works harder, no one knows their bills better, no one is better at passing their bills. Khadine does the work on each and every bill. She knows the policy, she knows the roll call, she knows the opposition. IL is a better state because of her. Contract lobbyist: Dave Sullivan is the best in the business, and it isnt that close. Not many people can do this work for as long as he has without pissing people off, but he’s been able to do that, working with difficult and controversial clients will still maintaining great relationships all over the building. - SYSK - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 3:44 pm: Contract: Stephanie Vojas is a great pick for all the reasons mentioned. She works incredibly hard, gets along with everyone and has a long track record of success. You’d be hard pressed to find a better lobbyist in Springfield. In-House: Khadine Bennett is a strong choice. - Sasha Fierce - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 4:01 pm: Also going to give it to Khadine Bennett. An amazing advocate, smart, strategic and able to understand the importance of passing legislation but also the continued work of implementation. A skill that a lot of folks lack. Contract: Dave Lowitzki. He looks out for the do gooders in Springfield and keeps folks in the know. - NorthTown - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 4:16 pm: Contract: Dave Lowitzki — he loves his work because every client he has is focused around issues that means the most to him. In House: Khadine Bennet — for all the reasons that were said, above, and for bringing such positive energy. - vulcan - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 4:16 pm: Agreed for in-house being Laura Minzer. She’s professional, knowledgeable and hard working. She’s a tough negotiator but will also work towards consensus with the opposition. - Shytown - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 4:26 pm: Best contract lobbyist is Heather Wier Vaught, of course. smart, strategic. no bs. you can take her advice to the bank. - Inquiring Minds - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 4:30 pm: Best contract lobbyist—Mona Martin. Her knowledge of human service issues is second to none. She works tirelessly on behalf of her clients and has done so for years. - Jojo - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 4:55 pm: Best in-house: Another vote for Khadine Bennett from the ACLU. She works harder and smarter than most under the dome. She builds and maintains relationships while working on some of the thorniest and potentially divisive issues before the ILGA. - One and Only - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 5:29 pm: Best In-House Lobbyist: Tie between Khadine Bennett of ACLU Illinois and Niya Kelly of Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Both of them are fierce advocates and know their subject matter inside and out. They both are assertive without being pushy and always look to move the work forward. Best Contract Lobbyist: Dave Lowitzki. Dave is a wealth of information and is great at getting to the heart of an issue and discussing next steps. - Flexible One - Friday, Dec 9, 22 @ 9:23 pm: My vote goes to Liz Brown. She’s always prepared, knows the business and has a high level of success. She’s always willing to help others and isn’t afraid to give her all for her clients, fellow lobbyists, staffers and legislators. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.