30 Comments » - Annonin' - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 11:34 am: Yikes we are off to a rapid start this week 1. Best State House related PR Person — How about Thom Serafin Serafin/Mercury Worldwide or whatever. He has been doing this a long time ad doing it well. 2. Best State Govt Spox — Not sure she is eligible but Catie Sheehan is off to a great start as the tourism boss. We may think of someone later,but the meantime let the votin’ begin. - Donate to LSSI - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 1:18 pm: Best statehouse related: ARC Strategies is a newcomer and off to a great start. When you engage a firm that has two founders who have spent years on the ground in Illinois, elbows deep in politics and statehouse issues, you know you’re hiring experts. They work on a variety of issues and always approach them with deep knowledge and understanding. I’ve worked with them on a few issues, and they know how to make an impact that matters. I look forward to seeing them grow. Best Government Spox: Jayette Bolinski at IDNR. She’s thoughtful, gets stuff done, and does it while being a genuinely nice person all around. That’s not always the easiest quality to find in a comms person. - The Sorting Hat - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 1:29 pm: Best State House related PR firm- ARC Strategies. ARC Strategies may be new to the field, but their first year has been nothing short of remarkable. They jumped into a competitive landscape and immediately delivered inventive strategies, crisp messaging, and a level of responsiveness that rivals long-established firms. Their rapid growth reflects the trust they’ve earned from clients who value their sharp analysis and ability to turn complex challenges into clear, actionable communication. In just one year, they’ve proven themselves a rising force and a worthy contender for the 2025 Golden Horseshoe. Best State Gov Spox- John Patterson. John remains one of the most effective and respected communicators in state government. His steady command of fast-moving issues, ability to translate policy into plain language, and instinct for what truly resonates have made him indispensable. Colleagues rely on him for clarity in chaos, reporters trust him for precision, and the public benefits from his clear voice. His leadership and consistency make him a top choice for Gov Spox in 2025. - Bandwagon Bears Fan - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 1:57 pm: For Best State Gov Spox — second the nomination for John Patterson. A pro and expert. Best statehouse related: Although he speaks to issues outside the statehouse, my vote is for Ed Yohnka at ACLU. Fast and responsive and steeped in the work of the organization - Rich Miller - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 2:15 pm: We had a bunch of Maxson nominations last week. Not pushing anyone forward, by any means, but this post is the more appropriate venue. - seconded - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 2:24 pm: I’m going to go ahead and support some of the noms already here. Jordan Abudayyeh joined the private sector with a force and her and her partner Jason Rubin have had their hands in bascially every important legislative issue in the last year. They’re whip smart, know how to win a campaign and are always on top of the most effective messaging. She put her all into working for the Governor and she’s doing the same for her clients. Happy to see ARC Strategies succeeding under the dome. For Government Spox.. Jon Maxson is leading a team that works for so many diverse Democrats, including the Speaker of the House. It’s not always easy, but he’s delivering for the members and always hits the right message. It’s not an easy job, but one that Jon makes look easy. - Politix - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 2:28 pm: I nominate Victoria Villalpando Weissman for gov spokesperson. She was promoted from the LG’s comms team into Jason Rubin’s role last year and the transition has been seamless. She is a constant support to the PIO pool, always patient and responsive. She’s generous with knowledge and feedback. She is quick to share her institutional knowledge. She has developed processes to ease reporting. She’s just a super creative problem-solver and I think she deserves some acknowledgment. - Impossible Germany - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 2:41 pm: I’ll go back in on Maxson. He’s built up a communications shop in the House and keeps pushing it in new directions. He’s a great mentor and leader for the young staff. He’s a tireless resource for members. And as Welch’s top writer, comms advisor, and spokesperson he’s a perfect partner for a House Speaker who enjoys taking that title literally. - Heatwave - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 2:43 pm: Government spokesperson: Jon Maxson - Jon is one of the smartest people in the Capitol and uses his wide-ranging experience as a true asset to the House Dem caucus. He really stepped up over the last year into a new role, but that is no surprise to those that know him. He is just a dependable guy who you want to have in your corner. Statehouse related: David Ormsby - a long-time steady hand who stays calm and collected in any situation, and no one can beat his style! - Glinda GW - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 2:43 pm: For best statehouse-related PR, I nominate Druker, Yadgir and Haupt. Although they have a long-standing presence in Illinois, their latest initiative marks a new chapter for them. They excel in client relations, consistently delivering precise and effective messaging. While the entire team exemplifies professionalism, Henry Haupt particularly stands out as a well-respected figure known and trusted by many in the state government PR. They truly deserve this recognition. I would also like to nominate John Patterson as best Gov-spox. He’s consistent and professional and so many rely on him. - Dakno Thing - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 2:51 pm: For Best Statehouse-related PR: ARC Strategies - I want to echo what others have said here - Jordan Abudayyeh and Jason Rubin came out of the gate with a bang and have quickly cemented themselves as the go-to Comms firm in Chicago. I find myself working with them on many of the best client teams and appreciate their insight and willingness to work hard. They don’t phone projects in which speaks volumes about them and their firm. For Best Government Spox- Matt Hill. He has big shoes to fill when the Gov’s office comms team left and I think he’s done a tremendous job. I also find him to be an exceedingly nice human which is always a great thing. - Speakin' Up - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 2:58 pm: For the best State House related PR, I nominated Henry Haupt and Bob Yadgir of Druker, Yadgir, and Haupt. After serving as the trusted communications team for Secretary of State, Jesse White, for 24 years, Bob and Henry launched DYH in 2023 to continue their work in communications and public relations. Holding true to their motto of, “working with good people to accomplish good things,” Bob and Henry are doing amazing things combining their decades of experience in media relations, crisis communications, and strategic messaging, all with a recognition of their deep commitment to give back with the pro bono services they offer for worthy causes. - 4 percent - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 3:04 pm: Mac Strategies and Monique Garcia. Firm has been around for years led by Ryan McLaughlin and also includes Matt Butterfield. But the star in Springfield is Monique who is a former Tribune reporter and also active in the community as board chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois. Monique and Mac are engaged in all major issues for the retail, manufacturing and municipal issues among others working for some of the largest and most influential organizations. - 4 percent - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 3:05 pm: Govt spokesperson would be Abdon in his final voyage with Mendoza. - ILL-INI - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 3:14 pm: Henry Haupt and DYH are using two decades of experience working for Jesse White and SOS as they serve their new clients in the private sector. They did a great job at SOS and are doing a great job for folks including representing some media which is important today. Bob, Dave and Henry are top notch. More importantly, Henry has a wicked pitch for backyard wiffleball. - UrbanSuburban - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 3:35 pm: Annie Thompson at the AG’s office gets my vote. Annie handles several daily AG press releases and inquiries that involve coordinating across multiple divisions. She handles complex litigation topics even though she is not a lawyer and is able to put out press releases for the general public can understand. If you can imagine the beating the AG’s office takes on a daily basis, just know that Annie handles it with the utmost grace and professionalism. I’m not familiar with any statehouse PR people so I cannot vote there. - Sell Now Reinsdorf - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 3:35 pm: Maxson has always done a really nice job in the statehouse messaging for a large and diverse caucus - Snowy 606 - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 3:36 pm: Statehouse PR: Gotta go with Alerion. Lundy and his team take really hard issues and make them easy to understand for legislators, the press and the public. No drama, just results. I’ve used many firms in Illinois and no one does it better. Govt spokesperson: Agreed with previous comments on Maxon. A pro who herds the cats effectively. What more can a Speaker ask for? Should double his pay given the challenges of that job! - Comment 2 - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 4:03 pm: Best State Government Spokesperson/Comms: Savana Thorsen (SDems Comms) Savana has been absolutely amazing in helping manage communications Sen. Villivalam’s work on Public Transit. From helping coordinate the public hearings, town halls, to scheduling and preparing for dozens interviews with journalists, talking points for communicating with thousands of constituents, and so much more. On top of all this, she was also handling comms for the other dozens of bills that the Senator was working on at the same time. Genuinely one of the hardest working and most reliable staffers I’ve ever worked with. I do not have a strong opinion on the Statehouse-Related Public Relations Person so I’ll skip that nomination. - Here here - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 4:10 pm: Government - I’ll second Victoria. Real tough behind the scenes job and seems like the glue holding it all together nicely. PR - Gotta go with ARC. Seems like they were everywhere in their first year up and running. Not often folks leave the JB world for the private side so wasn’t sure what to expect but they’ve certainly wowed. - snowflake - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 4:13 pm: Savana Thorsen for the Golden Horseshoe Award for the Best State Government Spokesperson/Comms for her amazing work on Public Transit and the dozens and dozens of other bills that the Senator has run since she joined our team - Reformed Blonde - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 4:30 pm: Statehouse PR: I had the distinct privilege of knowing Bob, Dave and Henry in my career and they exemplify a kind of statesmanship and pedigree that feels rare of comforting. They are trustworthy and I believe they are unique in the aspect that they genuinely believe in those they represent. I always got a “West Wing” vibe with Secretary White as their President Bartlet in their dynamic. I think they are pros and deserve the recognition. Gov’t spokesperson: I’ll go with Victoria. She’s a pro and has elevated the PIO/agency comms pool with her insight, wisdom and patience. Great job stepping into big shoes and making the role your own. - Statehouse Staffer - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 4:30 pm: Mike Brooks the SGOP cons director is one of the best people to deal with in the capital. He is a former reporter and always knows the good pitches. He’s very responsive and helpful and is generally a good guy. - Statehouse Staffer - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 4:38 pm: Ryan Keith is a solid, dependable coms person who always shows up and pitches great stories. He gets more work done than anyone and should get the award. - BlueAnon - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 4:43 pm: PR: Monique Garcia. Great statehouse reporter and her clients are getting the best in the business because of it. Gov: Jon Maxson is whip smart and a tireless advocate for the Speaker and his entire caucus. Not a bad guy for sports betting tips either. A real gem. - Sharon - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 6:11 pm: Govt spox - there is only one master of art in government comms and it would be John Patterson. His work will be in the archives. For statehouse related PR - Jordan Abudayyeh who continues to be successful in the private sector. - AnonyMau5 - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 7:58 pm: Best State Govt Spokesperson: Colleen King for the HGOP. Nobody does more with less. While the House Republicans are the super minority, they continually get solid media coverage. Colleen is on top of it all, handling Comms for Leader McCombie and the caucus. She is an invaluable resource for the Leader and members in general. While other nominees and previous winners are well represented here, Colleen King is most deserving of the GH this year for her relentless work on behalf of her caucus. - Dirty Red - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 8:04 pm: Best Statehouse PR - Henry Haupt has fashioned his extensive community outreach experiences and sincere desire for government to work better into quite a practice. The Statehouse is better when generous professionals of his caliber are in it. For his clients, Henry & co. saw early on the breaking ball that would be veto session, so they set themselves up for the win. Gov’t Spox: Maura Kownacki at IDOR. Director did some great interviews this year, always has a dense but digestable presentation, and she does well for the administration when they get inquiries about obscure tax policy and revenue forecasts. Thank you, Maura! - Fab Four - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 8:09 pm: For Statehouse PR, Druker, Yadgir & Haupt are true professionals and good people. They are experienced in government and public relations, knowledgable on various topics and care about the people they work with. For Gov/Comms, Victoria Villalpando Weissman is quick to respond, thoughtful and pleasant while handling a multitude of press issues. - Redbird38 - Monday, Dec 8, 25 @ 8:45 pm: Statehouse PR: All votes go to Druker, Yadgir and Haupt. Dave, Bob and Haupt follow the best Secretary of State (to ever do the job) Jesse White’s motto to “Do something good for someone every day.” They lead with purpose and are thoughtful strategists who have decades of personal and professional experience. Without a doubt, DYH is the team you want in your corner. TrackBack URI Anonymous commenters, uncivil comments, rumor-mongering, disinformation and profanity of any kind will be deleted. Name/Nickname - Required (required) E-mail - Not required (not required) URL - Not required