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Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards
Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller * The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Democratic State House Staff Member goes to Kat Bray…
Kendra Piercy, our 2023 winner, deserves super-honorable mention for her work this year. * The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Republican State House Staff Member goes to Dane Thull…
Jen Passwater, the 2023 winner, has been her usual awesome self this year and deserves another shoutout. * On to today’s categories…
Best Statehouse-Related Public Relations Spokesperson As always, do your best to nominate in both categories and please explain your nominations or they won’t count. Have fun! * I told you yesterday that I hoped we could reach $20,000 in our fundraiser to help Lutheran Social Services of Illinois buy Christmas presents for foster kids. Well, we exceeded that by a lot and are now at $24,000. Much of that was due to an anonymous donor who contributed $5,000, our largest contribution so far. Many, many thanks to that generous person. But you don’t need a spare $5K to make a difference. Every little bit helps. If $25 is all you can afford, that’s wonderful. Please, click here and help put a smile on the face of a kid whose life has been turned upside down.
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- @misterjayem - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 11:11 am:
Whoo-boy.
God bless that $5k donor‼
– MrJM
- Linus - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 11:17 am:
Best Government Spokesperson/Comms — Matt Dietrich at the State Board of Elections. Especially during an election year, the man seems to be everywhere. He covers a lot of ground on TV and radio and print and online, and does so with grace and expertise. He’s been doing this for several years with seemingly little fanfare, and it’s his time for Golden Horseshoe recognition.
I’ll have to think more about Statehouse-Related nominee.
- Wish You Well - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 11:50 am:
For Govt - John Patterson. Not even a question.. his whit, dry humor and kill shots keep us all smirking under the dome.
Statehouse-Related Spokesperson - Bridget Shanahan at the IEA. In the last year, her efforts have gotten the IEA more spotlight in the Capitol and statewide. She is their hidden weapon and there’s no guessing where she goes from here.
- santa2024 - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 12:06 pm:
For Gov: Naomi Puzzello (IDOC): Naomi has the toughest PR job in the state. She’s shown the abiity to handle tough situtations and doesnt back down.
- Pinkponyclub - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 12:35 pm:
Government: I nominate Whitney Barnes with the Senate GOP. She handles an opinionated caucus with grace and skill and does a phenomenal job keeping them on message on the Senate floor.
- Dirty Red - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 12:35 pm:
Illinois is fortunate to have several PIOs and spokespeople who deserve this recognition, and I have been even more fortunate to work with many of them over the past year.
Gov Comms: One name that stands out to me but rarely gets accolades is that of Lt. Col. Brad Leighton with the Dept. of Military Affairs.
We had to suddenly cancel an much-anticipated earned media interview the night before, and doing so understandably upset the anchor. It was our job to back fill the interview slot to at least temporarily make things right for our agency’s reputation with this outlet. Lt. Col. Leighton not only answered the phone well after traditional working hours, but he had a spokesperson identified within the hour and ready for the live interview the next morning. #GoGuard
Statehouse Public Relations Spokesperson: Delighted to see Statehouse veteran Meredith Krantz doing so well in her new venture and delivering for her clients, including the Dentists Association. They have been so pleased with her work that she has expanded to numerous other state chapters and even hired her first full-time employee.
- Not Aagin - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 12:42 pm:
Government - Jordan Abudayyeh (In her last year of eligibility) For 6 years she kept her boss on message every fricking day. Unbelievable. And let’s be clear - on message everyday during COVID, MJM downfall, Dem Party restructure, budget insanity. Sidenote, I am still impressed at every off topic JB gets and how well briefed he is, it is a testament to how hard she worked that job.
Statehouse Related - Eleni Demertzis - Is there anyone better than her at this job??? Eleni is a hurricane force that hates to lose. She tells it like it is and she will defend her clients to the bitter end, even if its 3rd and 8 and they call for another screen pass.
- One and done - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 1:22 pm:
For government Spox… it’s gotta be Jordan Abudayyeh for her last year. For six years she knew everything, even the stuff that didn’t have to do with comms. She’s one of the smartest strategists I’ve ever met and if you need some proof look at her boss’ reputation. You don’t get named a presidential contender on accident. Building that kind of reputation takes day in and day out work and like others have said above. She hates to lose and works around the clock to make sure that doesn’t happen. Next year I’m sure I’ll nominate her for statehouse related cause she’s already putting her skills to work for clients and racking up wins. You don’t want to be on the other side of a fight from her and I can’t wait to see where she goes. In a time where other comms shops are failing it’s more proof that putting your head down and doing the work is valuable. Thanks for your service, Jordan.
Gov related— I echo Eleni Demertzis. She’s top notch and always a professional bulldog. She works consistently to represent her clients (even when I can tell they’re not listening to her advice). She does everything she does with a smirk and perfectly balanced cynicism we all love in this industry.
- It's me - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 1:32 pm:
Government - It’s Jordan Abudayyeh. She closed out what has to be the most successful run in government comms Illinois has ever seen. Through ups and downs, the messaging that came out of that shop was strong, consistent, and constant. Clearly a brilliant a strategist and someone who knows how to take the good and bad as it comes and see her boss through to the other side. Certain she’ll be missed in that office in the months ahead.
Statehouse Related - Becky Carroll is everywhere for everyone. Don’t know how she does it.
- pinkponyclub - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 1:32 pm:
Government - Whitney Barnes with Senate GOP. She handles the demands of an opinionated caucus with kindness and grace, and she skillfully keeps her members on message on the Senate floor.
Statehouse related - Alex Gough has done an excellent job stepping into Jordan’s shoes with the governor’s office. He is responsive, knowledgeable and helpful.
- pinkponyclub - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 1:32 pm:
Sorry for the duplicate nomination - feel free to delete the first one.
- HurtsSoBad - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 1:35 pm:
Best government related spokesperson: I second the nomination for Jordan Abudayyeh. So very sad to see her go this year but let’s recognize a professional at the very top of her game. Every single day she made sure the Governor sounded smart, briefed and together. She knew every issue that crossed her desk inside and out. Unlike some other offices, she knew how to treat reporters with respect at the same time that she was a persistent and unflappable advocate for her boss. Jordan is simply the best and deserves this award in her final year of eligibility!
- House of Cards - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 1:41 pm:
For Government - Taylor Brown’s tireless efforts to broadcast the LT. Governor’s wins, while helping her connect with the people of Illinois, has been truly inspiring.
State House Related - Bridget Shanahan at the IEA is hands-down the best labor communications person in the business. What she has done in the past year to put the IEA’s issues front and center in Springfield is incredible. Her best quality is her willingness to help other labor organizations raise their members’ issues statewide.
- Shirley - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 2:16 pm:
Two SHR noms: Bridget Shanahan cares deeply about labor and teachers, and that shines through in her tireless efforts to bring the IEA attention. Eleni Demertzis is a strategic pit bull.
- Femininomenon - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 3:06 pm:
Very excited to get to nominate these two very strong PR professionals.
Government - Jordan Abudayyeh- She’s as tough as they come. She’s direct and no nonsense. Also extremely loyal and is always educated and informed on an issue before she responds. She did a great job running the Gov’s Comms shop and will be even more successful in her new gig.
State House Related - Becky Carroll is an easy choice. With twenty plus years of state-house related experience; Becky has been the PR voice behind many successful Springfield issue campaigns. Becky continues active in the political scene as well working on many campaigns and providing lots of advice to candidates and advocates.
- walker - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 3:12 pm:
No matter how tricky the news challenge appeared, I looked forward to see how well Jordan Abuddayeh would smack it around and make her boss, (and us all), look good.
I second Matt Deitrich: He continually gives us real confidence in our elections processes, in a treacherous political environment.
- ThinkItThrough - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 3:28 pm:
Government - Jordan Abudayyeh. The progress in her career as she navigated being the Spokeswoman for the Governor throughout the pandemic then transitioning to Communication Director will only serve her well in her next endeavor. She is already missed but the future is bright.
State House-Related - Becky Carroll. Talk about a seasoned pro - that’s Becky. Becky has built a powerhouse firm with an ever-growing team that continues to impress not just in Illinois but nationally. Becky takes on the work that she cares about personally and professional, a testament to the level of commitment to the work.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 3:51 pm:
Jordan has done a great job - easy choice.
Monique Garcia for PR spokesperson. She handles a litany of clients from IRMA and the IMA to the IML, Chicagoland Chamber and countless coalitions. A former Trib reporter, she works tireless behind the scenes and likely gets the best press for her clients in what could a challenging environment in both the state house and city of Chicago. She’s not afraid to push back when needed or cajole. Plus she’s the nicest person going.
- Here - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 3:54 pm:
Government - Alex Gough has stepped into the challenge smoothly in the Governor’s office.
Statehouse related - Eleni Demertzis is the go getter who gets it done
- Shanafan - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 3:59 pm:
Best Government Spokesperson/Comms: Has to be Jordan for the last year she is eligible.
Best Statehouse-Related Public Relations Spokesperson: I’m not sure what else can be said about Bridget Shanahan other than highlighting the fact that she belongs to a rare class of spokespersons — one whose talent is so exceptional, she can call herself an Emmy winner. As the voice of the Illinois Education Association, she champions educators and labor rights with unmatched clarity and conviction. Her creative storytelling on behalf of the IEA, recognized with multiple regional Emmy nominations and a win, sets her apart. Bridget is the obvious choice for the Golden Horseshoe.
- Eye in the Sky - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 4:18 pm:
I would nominate Bridget Shanahan for state house related public relations. Having personally witnessed Bridget in action for the IEA, I could think of no one more deserving. Bridget works tirelessly for the IEA membership and certainly exceeds expectations in every aspect. In addition, Bridget continuously demonstrates that she is not only an asset for IEA but for all working people in Illinois.
- Media Maven - Wednesday, Dec 11, 24 @ 4:45 pm:
I nominate Bridget Shanahan for statehouse adjacent comms. The labor movement in Illinois is lucky to have her advocating for teachers and unions across the state. She’s helped bring IEA issues to Springfield and put them front center. Her background as a storyteller, her relentless tenacity and her belief that labor always deserves a seat at the table make her unmatched in the union PR arena.