12 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. - Stephenson County - Wednesday, Dec 10, 25 @ 10:38 am: Dem. Sen. Villivanlan. Smart and got the transit bill passed. Rep. ABC Anyone but Chesney 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