* The 2025 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Democratic Illinois State Senator is a tie. Robert Peters…

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.

And Ram Villivalam…

He worked endlessly to get this transit reform package passed while carrying other important legislation and working kindly with staff and lobbyists.

* The 2025 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Republican Illinois State Senator goes to Seth Lewis…

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

Congratulations!

I somehow forgot to post this earlier today, so now it’s too late to start another category on a Friday afternoon. I checked and we have five-days’ worth of categories for next week, so we’ll be fine.

* But that brings up the fact that we have only one week left to help Lutheran Social Services of Illinois buy Christmas presents for foster kids. I’d really like to top $50,000, but new donations have slowed as many people have already contributed. If you haven’t done so yet, please click here. It’ll mean a lot to those kids. Also, remind your friends to do the same. Thanks!