29 Comments - Bluewaters - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 1:34 pm: Miles Sodowski gets the nod for Senate Dems, from his work on the budget/cannabis to his volunteer work off staff it would be hard to find someone that works harder than him under the dome. Rich Rockwood for Senate Pubs, he gets the tougher assignments and is well versed in his subject matters. - The Opinions Bureau - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 1:50 pm: SDem: Jonathan Peebles recently departed staff but was long an accessible, knowledgeable, and generous contact on staff for all manner of budget and policy questions. SGOP: Bill Schneider is a guy who does his homework and helps make bills better even when none of his members wind up voting for them. - pothole - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 1:58 pm: Aaron Holmes is the pick with the Senate Democrats. Not only is he critical for that caucus, but the State of Illinois needs him. I don’t know if there’s a state budget without his leadership and expertise. Aaron is a true professional. It’s unfortunate that he’s a Packers fan. Lori Yates is the pick for the Senate Republicans. She is great at her job and trustworthy. She can be tough, but that’s because she expects the best out of people. The events for that caucus are superb because of her vision and leadership. - Retired - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 2:03 pm: A twofold nomination for Senate Dems, the departing Mary Hanahan who was always wonderful to work with and her boss and mentor, Giovanni Randazzo who runs a great shop and mentors many young attorneys who go on to do great things (plus Gio just celebrated his 20 year anniversary on staff). For Senate GOP, always has to be Bill Schneider. No one knows the criminal laws better. Bill is a huge asset the the Senate GOP - The Colonist - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 2:09 pm: For Senate D, Giovanni Randazzo is the man, and he has been the man there for 20 years. One of the most knowledgeable guys under the Dome. For Senate R, Bill Schneider is an all around good dude who really understands criminal laws. - Chicago Peace Circles - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 2:30 pm: SDem: We all know how crucial Mary has been for the IL Senate, particularly when it comes to drafting and negotiating heavy-hitting pieces of legislation (Y’all remember CEJA?). From her wit to her extraordinary work ethic, Mary is a one in a lifetime find and the Senate was so lucky to have her. - ModerateGOP - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 2:38 pm: Senate Democrats- Easily goes to Aaron Holmes. Very responsive to questions and always gives a prompt response. Senate Republicans- Brent Ellis. No one works harder for the Senate GOP both on the official side and on campaigns than Brent. He’s extremely personable and understands the issues that are important. The caucus is lucky to have him. - Davos - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 2:45 pm: I nominate Jon Peebles for the SDEM staff award.  As previously stated, he just left staff but I know that he will continue to positively contribute to the legislative process.  His understanding of his subject matter is top-notch, and he can drill down to the heart of each issue without getting distracted by unnecessary details.  He is also a straight shooter, and these factors plus many others are why the SDEM leaders greatly value his take on issues. I nominate Rich Rockwood for the SGOP staff award.  He too, understands the key details of his subject matter and has proven his loyalty to his caucus, and his trustworthiness to those who deal with him.  He can quickly separate fact from fiction, which is very important nowadays. - IcedShakenEspresso - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 3:01 pm: Senate Dems: Mary Hanahan has been a critical pillar within the Senate Dems legal structure for the past 6 years. She has been instrumental in getting all of the energy bills over the finish line and a number of other significant pieces of legislation over the years. She works behind the scenes diligently and has served her caucus well. She will be deeply missed. Senate Reps: Bill Schneider for the reasons stated above. - Femininomenon - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 3:04 pm: Mary Hanahan is cool under pressure; effective and smart. She deserves this award as a parting gift. She does a good job of being responsive and loyal at the same time - often tough for staff to navigate. For Senate GOP - Gotta go with Whitney Barnes. A long time statehouse stable; Barnes gives good advice to her Republican Senators and helps keep them relevant in the press space. - Behind the scenes - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 3:05 pm: For the SDEMS, Reena Tandon. She deftly juggles the Assignments Committee and reports, is top-notch knowledgeable about the individual Senators and the districts, AND she recently brought life into this world. Top that. - suomynona - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 3:22 pm: SDem - Definitely Reena Tandon. She manages the Assignments Committee, communications staff, floor team, and takes time to work closely with members. Her institutional knowledge and instinct are top notch. SGOP - Jack Felker is super helpful and kind. He does a great job with his committees and is always pleasant to work with. - AnonPls - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 3:34 pm: SenateDems: Mary Hanahan - Deputy Counsel: If you had the opportunity to listen to the many speeches given by Senators on the Senate floor about Mary Hanahan’s time on Senate legal staff, you’d know there is no competition for “best Democratic Senate Staff.” Although Mary’s last day with the Senate President’s office is this Friday, she’s left quite the legacy. She is a brilliant attorney who is able to breakdown incredibly complex energy policies into something anyone could digest. She cares deeply about the work she does and works harder than anyone I’ve ever met. The Senate has impossible shoes to fill with her absence, but everyone in the state is better off because she chose to spend years on Senate staff. Above all, she is kind, quick-witted, and a loyal friend. I’m excited to see all the amazing things she does outside the statehouse. - unclesam - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 3:48 pm: Senate Dems: I nominate the “Holy Trinity” that is John Peebles, Dillon Santoni and Aaron Holmes. Top notch, honest, accessible, and they hold themselves and that staff to the highest standard (and it shows!). Senate Repubs: Scott Foiles is unflappable and has so much institutional knowledge…he sneaks under the radar for most but not me (and he chills out to Metallica). - JSI - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 3:54 pm: SGOP: Lori Yates of the Senate Republican Organization is a remarkable leader who expertly manages a highly active staff and oversees hundreds of community events annually on behalf of Republican Senators across the state. Known for her exceptional organization, responsiveness, and professionalism, Lori personally manages large-scale events with precision while fostering collaboration and ensuring success. Her dedication and ability to balance complex responsibilities with ease make her an invaluable asset to her team and a true example of excellence in public service. - Statehouse Staffer - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 3:56 pm: Nicole Besse, the fist female floor director for the Senate Republicans, deserves this year’s Golden Horseshoe. She has been with SGOP for over 20 years where she excelled as an Education staffer helping to secure the bipartisan school funding formula. She does a great job of managing the floor and working across the aisle to keep the tone down and everything working efficiently. She is top resource for people throughout the building and has earned the respect of staff, lobbyists and members on both sides of the aisle. She is very deserving of this award. Mike Hoffman, Deputy COS for the Senate Dems deserves this year’s horseshoe. Don’t let Quiet Mike fool you, because he is full of knowledge, insight and is by far one of the brightest staffers of his generation. Much like the Senate President he has a cool head in almost any scenario and works hard to keep the floor and chamber running smoothly. He shows great respect for all members, including those from the minority party, which helps keep decorum in the chamber whenever possible. He should get this year’s award! - Jack Sinatra - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 4:15 pm: Senate Dems: it’s a tough call between Reena and Mary, both are so qualified, as are so many other Sen Dem staffers. I rise to nominate Mary. He is cool under pressure, smart as a tack, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She has been a mentor to many young lawyers and goes about her job in a dignified, nonchalant manner. She will be greatly missed. SGOP: Nicole Beese has been the cornerstone of the SGOP Caucus for years. She’s staffer heavy hitting committees like Education and Executive and is a magnificent person. - Luigi - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 4:22 pm: SDEMS: Mary Hanahan: humble and smart, Mary embodies what it means to be a public servant. Her work ethic is unmatched, and her absence will surely be felt. - 'Lectric Guitar - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 4:37 pm: Senate Dem–Jon Peebles. Approachable and understands & respects where folks need to be on a wide swath of issues, D or R; much harder to do than he makes it look. Congrats to him on his well-deserved new gig. Senate GOP–Wild Bill Schnieder. He has many decades of legal experience from both staff and previous roles, and he uses it throttle wide open on every assignment he gets. He will have your sides sore with laughter, as he creates humor from the most mundane things. - Thoughts - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 4:50 pm: Staff come and go over the years, and while there are always some standouts they are inevitability replaced by new staffers eager to prove their value to their caucus. Unfortunately for the Senate Dem staff, it will be nearly impossible to step into the shoes of the incomparable Mary Hannahan. Her departure leaves a gaping hole for the caucus and the legal team, which has become the premier shop in the Capitol in large part because of Mary. She’s greatly respected on both sides of aisle, in both chambers, and by the many lobbyists that have worked with her throughout the years. She’s always no nonsense and often the smartest person in the room, but she would never admit that or dare imply such a thing. She’s truly the epitome of what you want in a staffer — does the work, doesn’t ask for the credit, and always has your back. Mary deserves this. The SGOP caucus is lucky to have Bill Schneider. Hes always willing to listen and offer suggestions even if his caucus isn’t participating in the final vote. He’s very smart and should be honored this year. - AnonPls - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 5:28 pm: Senate Dems: Deputy Counsel, Mary Hanahan. If you listened to the speeches from many Senators on the Senate floor on the last day of Veto, it’d be clear why Mary Hanahan deserves this award. At one point she was lovingly referred to as the “best staffer I’ve ever had” by an experienced Senator, to which many heads nodded in agreement. Although Mary’s last day is this Friday, she leaves quite the legacy. It will be impossible to fill her shoes in the GA. She is a brilliant attorney who is able to make incredibly complex energy policies seem digestible and she is the hardest worker at the Capitol. More importantly, she is kind, quick-witted, and a loyal friend. She is truly one of the most special people I’ve encountered in and outside of Springfield. Illinois is lucky that she chose to spend her first 6 years as an attorney on Senate legal staff. SGOP: Bill Schneider - well respected by his colleagues and deserves recognition for his hard work. *I tried to submit this earlier, but it didn’t post, so apologies if some version of my nomination ends up coming through twice* - New Day - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 5:29 pm: “Kennedy - Monday, Dec 9, 24 @ 3:13 pm: I nominate Jason Mendonca of House Dem staff.” That was yesterday. Today is SENATE. Senate D: Agree about Mary but have to nominate Gio. Accessible. Capable. Knowledgeable and low drama. What more could you want in a staffer? - PLR - Tuesday, Dec 10, 24 @ 1:07 am: Appreciate all the submissions thus far, but let’s give some credit where credit is due, especially for the Republican Caucus. Starting with Senate Democrats, Andrew Hoffman deserves a Golden Horseshoe. He’s not only incredibly intelligent in the healthcare space after only a brief tenure staffing the subject matter, but he shows the leadership characteristics of his brother and father before him. Don’t count him out as a senior staff caucus leader in the near future. His time is hopefully coming and it’s well deserved and would do much for the Caucus. For the Republicans, let’s take a worthy look at John Hall. I believe John has only been on staff a few years, but he came in as an intern staffing Executive Committee for the GOP, and he’s still staffing it amid all their ongoing staffing chaos. He’s forthcoming and blunt with his counterparts while well-representing his Caucus. He’s intelligent and can speak on many subject matters even while he gives credit to his other colleagues - something super unheard of amongst power-hungry staffers. He’s a rising star and is truly deserving of the recognition. - Yikes - Tuesday, Dec 10, 24 @ 1:12 am: Maybe just give the Horseshoe to Bill Schneider because if you don’t, he might finally snap.. - ReluctantInsider - Tuesday, Dec 10, 24 @ 7:51 am: Senate Dems: Mike Hoffmann, Deputy Chief of Staff is incredibly deserving of this year’s award. Mike is the reason the Senate is efficient. He handles all of the behind the scenes planning, scheduling, and everything needed to keep the upper chamber humming. In addition, Mike serves as director for the legislative assistants (which is no small feat). Mike has been with the SDEMs for a number of years, including serving on policy and budget staff where he handled the education funding formula and still provides guidance on education policy today. Mike is well respected and well liked by members on both sides of the aisle. He is incredibly deserving of this year’s award. SGOP: Josh Horeled. Josh is incredibly kind and intelligent. A true pleasure to work with on any matter. The SGOP are lucky to have him. - Anon - Tuesday, Dec 10, 24 @ 9:04 am: SDEM: Deputy Counsel, Mary Hanahan - she is no drama, works hard and always tries to be helpful. She has worked on tough issues and staffed the Senate Exec Committee for years. The Senate is going to greatly miss her! SGOP: Bill Schneider - he is top notch (plus we would hate to see him snap). - ILSIP Forever - Tuesday, Dec 10, 24 @ 9:10 am: Senate Dem: Andrew Hoffmann. Extremely knowledgeable about the healthcare space and about the legislative process. Best all-around staffer there. Senate Republican: Niall Sullivan. One of the hardest workers in the Capitol and always is intimately familiar with education statute and bills filed. - 20 more years - Tuesday, Dec 10, 24 @ 10:01 am: Giovanni Randazzo for the Senate Democrats. Giovanni has worked tirelessly for the past 20 years to support the caucus. Seriously, I don’t know how this guy does it. He works around the clock and has more knowledge of Illinois state government history than anyone else in the Capitol. I echo the nomination of John Hall for Senate Republicans. - Probably should retire soon - Tuesday, Dec 10, 24 @ 10:24 am: Senate Dem - Andrew Hoffmann. He’s a pleasure to work with and a genuinely good and honest guy. Senate GOP - Bill Schneider. I too do not want to see him snap. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.