Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards
Thursday, Dec 19, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Rich is taking the morning off, but he asked me to give out the awards today…
* The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best State Agency Director goes to Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards…
Krisitin Richards is a force who understands government in and out. You need someone like her running an agency where complicated deals with the private sector rely on someone who can bridge the gap between the antiquated and complicated state government systems and large corporations. Kristin is the best at what she does, and it shows in all the successes the state has racked up.
* The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Statewide Staffer goes to Anne Caprara…
Anne’s ability to bring together the best people in State Government is unmatched. Look at her lineup of talent in the Gov’s Office. Anne’s strategic advice around policy, communications, legislation and yes politics has been the guiding light for the Governor’s Office for the past six years. Speech Writing - Check (See Pritzker’s Northwestern Commencement Address), Public Speaking - Check (Her panel discussion post election at the City Club was heartfelt and inspiring) and Tenacity - Check (Pritzker has publicly given Caprara credit for organizing and going after the DNC in Chicago). If you dont know - Anne - you should - she is one of the most inspiring people you will ever meet.
Congratulations!
* On to today’s categories…
Best US Representative
Best Statewide Officer
Please explain your nominations or they won’t count. Also please nominate in both categories. Thanks!
* A reminder! We’re shutting down for winter break on Friday, but there’s still time to help LSSI bring joy to children in foster care. While we won’t be here to nudge you, your support can make a world of difference.
These kids have faced so much chaos in their lives. A simple gift can bring them comfort and remind them they’re cared for.
Let’s spread some love and light this holiday season. Thank you for being part of this effort! Please click here and donate if you are able…
- TJ - Thursday, Dec 19, 24 @ 9:11 am:
US Rep - Eric Sorensen. Reelected in an actually competitive district, rather than being gifted cakewalk, and absolutely knee-capped his opponent in a brutally effective takedown of an ad to such a degree that I hope he eventually gets a position with the DCCC leadership directing ads for others.
Statewide - Pritzker really by default. Everyone else seems like background noise, and I won’t consider Alexi given how bad the ILSOS site has gotten since he’s taken over (and yes, that’s the basis for my dislike of him,). His ability, or lack thereof, to block the worst excesses of Trumpism in Illinois is going to be the story of the state for the next two-four years.
- The Real Bruce Rauner - Thursday, Dec 19, 24 @ 9:39 am:
Eric Sorensen- He has done a great job in trying to represent the values of his district in one of the few competitive districts in Illinois.
Statewide- Treasurer Micheal Frerichs, he is doing a yieldman’s job in trying to return Illinoisans back their unclaimed property and helping local units of government through IL Funds and E-Pay.
- SEIU (Retired) - Thursday, Dec 19, 24 @ 10:17 am:
Raja for US Rep. Good constituent services. Good fundraiser and waiting for his opportunity to move up.
For Statewide, I agree 100% with TJ on Alexi. Wish he never came back into the picture. The complaints I hear about his people at SOS are unbelievable but apparently true. I’ll go with Mendoza. She is all over the state and shows a real caring in every region of the state.
- Joe Bloe - Thursday, Dec 19, 24 @ 11:11 am:
Statewide: It has to be the Governor.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 19, 24 @ 11:14 am:
Don’t bother posting without an explanation because they will not count.
- SBA_618 - Thursday, Dec 19, 24 @ 11:26 am:
Best U.S. Representative- Nikki Budzinski because of her constant drive to bring people together and get things done. When the rubber hits the road, Nikki is likely either behind the wheel or in the car! She has been dedicated to being a hands-on legislator while also establishing herself as a leader within DC.
Statewide Officer- Governor JB
JB Pritzker has proven he stands up for what is right in tough times. He is not one to take advantage of a headline for personal gain. He is a hard worker and appreciates when others work hard to advocate for progress. I know he truly cares about doing his job well and surrounding himself with others who share that goal.