* The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best US Representative goes to Lauren Underwood…
She is active in her community and Washington alike. She connects with and supports constituents across the ideological spectrum, deservedly outperforming other Democrats by significant margins electorally. In Washington, she is focused on major initiatives, including on Black maternal healthcare, and has a proven track record of working across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation, something that will be critical in the coming years. Not only that, but Congresswoman Underwood is a strong supporter of growing our party and engaging the next generation — she uplifts local candidates through her Farm Team PAC, and is even a big part of why I became politically involved. We need more Democrats like Underwood who focus on uplifting others and true public service.
* The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Statewide Officer goes to Auditor General Frank Mautino…
Most of what he and his team do is behind the scenes, but it is vital. Throughout the year, they report on the good, the bad, and the ugly, which allows the agencies, the General Assembly, and the other state-wides to identify and address areas in need of improvement. Mautino’s depth of understanding about state government allows him to assist anyone who asks “what,” “why,” “which,” and other questions about the various machinations of state government. Mautino’s demeanor suits the position well.
Congrats to both.
* Our final category…
The Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.com Commenter
Please make sure to explain your nomination or it won’t count.
* As Isabel has told you, today is the last day we’ll be reminding y’all about donating to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois to help them give Christmas presents to foster kids. You can give after today, of course. But if you’ve been procrastinating, or have a few extra bucks left in your holiday budget, now would be a good time to give. Please, click here. Thanks!
*** UPDATE *** An anonymous donor has just contributed $5,000 to help buy Christmas presents for foster kids. Many thanks! We’re now up to $43,442. That’s great!!! But, you know, LSSI could always use more. We’ve raised enough to buy presents for 1,738 kids, but there are hundreds more out there. Please, click here.
- The Opinions Bureau - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 10:03 am:
47th Ward is the clear winner if for no other reason than their outstanding nomination yesterday of Rep. Bost for best member of Congress.
- JS Mill - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 10:30 am:
Norseman is my nomination- Always adds to the discussion. Always. Smart, measured, reasonable even when some of the topics get heated. Norseman is long overdue for this.
- Honeybear - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 10:38 am:
I second the nomination for Norseman. I might not always agree but I always and without fail factor in what Norseman is writing. Shrewd and prescient.
- taco - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 10:47 am:
Oswego Willy (only voting for him because he needs to come back!) The blog has not been the same without him!!
- Todd - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 11:15 am:
I would second (pun intended) 47. while we are on opposite sides of things, je gives as good as he gets, even though he might be wrong. Snarky, thoughtful, well reasoned.
He keeps the discussions lively
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 11:21 am:
RNUG still continues to dispense valuable insights with the occasional hint of snark.
- low level - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 11:28 am:
There are several worthy considerations: 47th Ward, Norseman, JS Mill, MrjM— all those guys I learn a lot from and appreciate their commentary very much. Everyone have a great holiday.
- Change Agent - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 12:28 pm:
Stephanie Kollmann is always brilliant, always bold, and doesn’t even hide behind a fake name like the rest of us cowards.
- Fanboy of LL - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 12:42 pm:
low level is the guy who keeps me on my toes as it relates to all things political. He has a pleasant but direct way of scolding those who try to intimidate or become harsh with others. He/She has genuine control of almost all subject matters they comment on and keeps the conversation moving in the comments section of the posts. It’s one thing to read the stories posted, but you can learn much more by reading the comments and the comments of low level.
- Excitable Boy - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 12:46 pm:
- Stephanie Kollmann is always brilliant -
Seconded. She’s one of the few true subject matter experts contributing here.
- Lurker - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 1:12 pm:
I like when people can contribute with knowledge when that is needed but also with humor when that is needed. Thus, I nominate Arsenal. They drop the knowledge on some things that really make me think but whenever there is a caption contest, it’s the comment I always look for as I know it will be a clever and unique.
- RNUG - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 1:45 pm:
I miss Oswego Willie’s insights. Don’t have to agree with him, but he makes you think.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 1:48 pm:
A reminder that this question will close at around 4 o’clock so we can announce all the winners before the end of business day.
- SweetLou86 - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 1:51 pm:
Adding nomination for Stephanie Kollman. For starters, she stands by her comments by not using an alias. She’s also brilliant and thoughtful, and her comments always contribute to a conversation with information that only a true subject-matter expert would know.
- @misterjayem - Friday, Dec 20, 24 @ 2:06 pm:
“Stephanie Kollmann is always brilliant, always bold, and doesn’t even hide behind a fake name like the rest of us cowards.”
I would like to add my name to the ranks of “Cowards for Stephanie Kollmann.”
In a world of self-righteous loudmouths [double thumbs pointing back at himself], she’s a source of genuine subject matter expertise and her virtuous advocacy has never been more necessary (and admirable).
We’re all better for her participation.
– MrJM