26 Comments » - BC - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 8:53 am: == Senate posts can be comment-killers == The upper chamber of a bicameral legislature, boring by design since 1787. - Big Tom - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 9:37 am: Senator Steve McClure has established himself as a dedicated advocate for Illinois’ public welfare and a leader who delivers tangible results for his constituents. His commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety, and the protection of Illinois’ natural resources highlights his leadership in the State Senate. One of Senator McClure’s most notable achievements in recent months has been his instrumental role in securing much-needed funding for the restoration and preservation of New Salem State Park, a vital historical and recreational asset in the state. His efforts helped secure a significant allocation of state funds to preserve the park’s historic landmarks and improve its infrastructure, ensuring that it remains a valuable destination. This achievement underscores McClure’s ability to advocate for local needs while securing long-term, sustainable benefits for his district and the entire state. McClure has been a steadfast advocate for public safety, criminal justice reform, and fiscal accountability. His work in championing commonsense policies that prioritize both responsible spending and effective law enforcement demonstrates his pragmatic approach to governance. Senator McClure’s ability to effectively communicate, his focus on local concerns, and his ability to deliver on key priorities, make him a standout public servant. For his unwavering commitment to his community and the state, he is a deserving nominee. - Anon - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 9:39 am: State Senator Celina Villanueva - She is charismatic, smart and most importantly extremely nice to everyone she encounters. It doesn’t matter if you are an elected official, constituent, lobbyist or staff member- she treats you like a person which is increasingly hard to find in the GA. Villanueva is always fun and definitely the person you want to sit next to in a committee hearing. State Senator Sally Turner - She leads with kindness. Senator Turner does a terrific job representing her constituents while being respectful and a true stateswoman. She is constantly on the move throughout her district and gives her position the respect it deserves. We need more people like in the GA. - SweetLou86 - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 9:49 am: Senate Dems: Ram Villivalam for getting transit done. Watching that guy work is a joy and he always manages to be incredibly effective. Senate Reps: Seth Lewis. Brings such a positive energy, isn’t there for the grandstanding or the BS. - In the weeds - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 9:50 am: Best Dem Senator: Robert Peters - As a leading progressive and just a bit of a character personally, Sen. Peters nonetheless has developed strong, trusting relationships with his moderate Dem colleagues and even Republicans. He is clear about what he believes, but he also is pragmatic and gets things done. He’s carried major labor and healthcare bills in addition to his signature issues of criminal justice reform, and there’s a reason the Governor has asked him to carry certain heavy lift bills through the senate. Best Republican Senator: Seth Lewis - He always makes himself available, he is willing to learn about complex issues, and he engages in good-faith conversation even if almost none of his colleagues will ever consider voting for the bill at hand. - StarLineChicago - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 9:59 am: Easy to argue that transit reform doesn’t happen without Sen. Villivalam. Even when the MMA (remember that?) was essentially deemed DOA, Sen. Villivalam kept pushing forward and got NITA through the Senate, with reforms that more or less remained intact on Halloween. Can make a similar argument for Sen. Lewis on the other side of the aisle, keeping the existing service boards accountable during the summer committee hearings, working to keep the majority accountable, and ultimately taking a tough vote for a suburban senator at the end of veto in favor of the final bill. - Bob - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 10:00 am: Dem- Rob Martwick. Smart people can rub people the wrong way sometimes, and I know he does that. But, man, this guy has done more homework on the issues in his portfolio than maybe anyone I can ever remember. He represents a relatively moderate district (for city ward standards) exceptionally and is willing to have conversations about issues with anyone. GOP- Chapin Rose. I know the left loves to laugh at his fiery floor speeches, but the guy knows the budget inside and out and I, frankly, am just happy to see people who care. He really cares. - the weatherman - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 10:16 am: Nobody in the Senate has put up the numbers that Senator Villivalam has across a wide spectrum of policy silos. The guy is simply relentless when it comes to advancing legislation, and works members like no other member I’ve ever seen. Completely fluent on both the substance and the policy for the issues he takes on. There is no better sponsor in the chamber than Senator Villivalam. For the Republicans, Dale Fowler is a gentleman and a statesman. He represents his constituents in a chamber where he is in the super minority. He treats people with dignity and respect, and is respected throughout the building. He will be sorely missed when he moves on to his next phase in life. - the weatherman - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 10:17 am: edit: Villivalam is fluent in both the substance and the politics for the issues he takes on. Big distinction between politics and policy. He gets them both better than most. - Adams St Stan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 10:29 am: SD: Doris Tuner. She’s out in her district daily and deeply cares about providing equity and access to her constituents regardless of if they voted for her. She handles legislative responsibilities with grace and provides great constituent services. The real deal. SR: John Curran: He’s a respectful person with a tough job. He’s reasonable and is willing to work with the other side to deliver for his caucus and district. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 10:32 am: ===SR: John Curran=== As it clearly states above Leader Curran is not eligible this year. And Big Tom, when I see a long comment nominating in just one category, my eyes glaze over. If you can put in all that effort for one person, do two. - Thnink again - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 10:51 am: GOP Senator State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) is an eloquent spokesperson - he offered a robust debate on the budget bill as head of the GOP Budget Negotiation Team. He is very community-minded and responsive - and he showed some courage by being the lone GOP vote on the transit bill Dem Senate State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton - very good office staff - RealHouseWifeofSpringfield - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 11:06 am: Senator Sally Turner is approachable, kind to staff, works well across the aisle, and cares about her constituents in the 44th district. She also passed more than 4 bills which is a lot for Republicans this year. Senator Koehler has great institutional knowledge and works well with everyone in the chamber. And who doesn’t love a bow tie. - Who else - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 11:19 am: I heartily agree with the Seth Lewis nod. He takes votes and positions his party does not take and that’s just not something you see a lot anymore. Robert Peters has left his up-and-coming position and has now arrived. He doesn’t lie or exaggerate, he works hard, and he stands by his principles while he figures out a path to a win. It’s not common for a community organizer to figure out how to use pragmatism strategically to get to a win, but that’s what he does consistently. He manages to do that on really hot-button issues, meaning he manages the expectations of huge coalitions of activists and ushers them down the path of the possible. Teaching people outside the building how to take a win means you have to learn that first yourself, and he has figured that out. Not everyone does. And I cannot stress enough how important the not lying bit is. - Change Agent - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 11:23 am: Dem: Senator Villivalam’s hard and thoughtful work literally saved a system that so many Illinoisans rely on just to go about their lives. Rep: Senator Lewis is willing to work across the aisle in the interest of making good public policy. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a genuinely nice guy. - SoupLover - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 11:23 am: SDems- Senator Villivalam. He worked endlessly to get this transit reform package passed while carrying other important legislation and working kindly with staff and lobbyists. SRepublicans- Senator Lewis. He worked well with the advocates and lobbyists regarding transit, but also took the difficult vote as a yes for transit even though the rest of his caucus voted against it. - Big Tom - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 11:37 am: Senator Doris Turner deserves the Golden Horseshoe Award for her steady, community-focused leadership and real results for the 48th District. She delivers meaningful help for seniors through property-tax relief, leads hands-on initiatives like holiday card and turkey drives, and champions economic revitalization efforts that bring jobs and investment to central Illinois. Turner’s blend of experience, accessibility, and compassion makes her one of the Capitol’s effective public servants. - DownState_Dog - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 1:19 pm: BEST DEM SENATOR Senator Christoper Belt- A dedicated legislator from the METRO EAST who has championed strengthening communities in his region and the state as a whole. Also, he has been a strong leader for all within the region. BEST REPUBLICAN SENATOR- Honestly, I do not have a good temperature on the Republican Senators who are productive. We are subjected to Republican Senators who actually lie to us as constituents, and it is sad. I will take the time to read other submissions to see who others deem productive! - downstate vote - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 1:53 pm: I would have to concur that I think Senator Christopher belt is a fantastic member of the Senate Dem Coalition representing a deep downstate district with true integrity. Plus if there was an award for most stylish Senator Belt would clear for days. As for a GOP member, I happen to Find Senator Sue Rezin to be a very pleasant person to work with. As stated a few days ago her LA is fantastic and I think a lot of that truly rolls over to the senator herself. They make for a good team down on the first floor and her work on Nuclear Power is commendable. - Finigan's Friend - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 2:54 pm: GOP Senator - Erica Harriss - Senator Erica Harriss has consistently demonstrated her commitment to serving the people of the Metro East since taking office. Her dedication, integrity, and tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituents continue to set a high standard for public service. We are fortunate to have such a strong and principled voice representing our community. Dem Senator - Linda Holmes - She’s exhibited strong leadership qualities. She has worked with diverse personalities on the floor and in committees - prairiestatelove - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 2:54 pm: Dem: Senator Willie Preston is always working hard to represent the people of Illinois and is always open to meeting. Rep: Senator Seth Lewis works across the aisle in order to make Illinois a place where folks want to live and not leave. - Chi-Mex - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 3:11 pm: Senator Villavalam - for his tenacity on big bills he works on, and especially the Transit Bill. This summer, he spent tiredless amount of time connecting with communities outside of his district to bring perspective on the big goals of the Transit Bill. Senator Lewis - For being open-minded to engage in conversation, even if he disagrees with the policy outcomes. - SKI - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 3:33 pm: Dem Senator Doris Turner & GOP Senator Seth Lewis Both of these Senators vote their districts, even when it doesn’t agree with members of their respective caucuses. They are both pragmatic. willing to listen to a wide variety of opinions, and work across the aisle to pass legislation & ensure their constituents are heard. - Comment 3 - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 3:58 pm: Dem Senator: Senator Villivalam Most recently his work on transit which was a ~3 year process that ended with the biggest investment in our public transit in the state’s history. But beyond that, he’s one of the hardest working Senators, consistently introducing 80+ bills per year and passing a good chunk of them which is a testament of how well he works with a diverse collection of stakeholders. He’s also carried some major legislation including the Workers’ Rights constitutional amendment. GOP Sen: Seth Lewis - He’s a very personable and responsive Senator. He’s always open to having discussions based on policy and not ideology which is always helpful. - Flexible One - Thursday, Dec 11, 25 @ 12:31 am: Senator DeWitte is fair, stays on top of the issues as he problem solves concerns on a daily basis, plus he works with legislators on both sides of the isle. Senator Holmes quietly and diligently works the issues. She too is fair and listens with empathy and compassion to the concerns of her constituents as well as staff and fellow legislators. - UrbanSuburban - Thursday, Dec 11, 25 @ 1:32 pm: I agree with the comments nominating Peters and Lewis. Peters has come into his own and is truly a leader in his caucus. He remains with the principles and values he came into office with while recognizing what leadership needs. He is a go to for passing difficult legislation that others are hesitant to touch and he does it with great humor. Seth Lewis has been a joy to get to know and he is interested in the hows and whys of legislation even if it is not something he supports. He is interested in the lives and stories of all he meets. 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