* The 2025 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Statewide Staffer goes to Amanda Elliot…
Amanda Elliott gets things done. She knows what levers to pull and who to call to optimize State resources to make the largest and most diverse Dep Gov portfolio work. If that portfolio did not work as well as it does with Amanda’s support, every other part of government and every Illinoisan would feel it IMMEDIATELY.
* The 2025 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best State Agency Director goes to Jane Flanagan at IDOL…
Throughout her tenure, she has skillfully navigated a complex and evolving landscape for workers, from modernizing child labor laws to extending protections for independent workers in the gig economy. She leads a dedicated team that consistently addresses the challenges workers face in today’s economy.
She is committed to ensuring workers have safe environments and are properly compensated under Illinois law. Simultaneously, she educates employers and enforces state laws using the Department’s resources. This is particularly challenging given the vulnerabilities of many workers, yet her understanding of the landscape enables her to effectively reach those most in need. Above all, Director Flanagan prioritizes the well-being of her employees. She ensures positions are filled, staff are trained, and addresses complex legal questions in a rapidly changing environment. She thoughtfully implements new ideas to enhance compliance and departmental efficiency, as demonstrated by pilot programs like the mediation program. This initiative allows workers and employers to resolve claims collaboratively, fostering resolutions rather than increasing caseloads and bureaucracy. It is important to note her previous experiences as the Governor’s General Deputy Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer and founder of the Workplace Rights Bureau in the Office of the Attorney General. The office has been on the front lines in fighting for worker protections and garnered national attention on labor trafficking in the restaurant industry. She has a unique and true perspective on what it means to fight for worker justice.
Director Flanagan embodies the values of the Department of Labor: justice, empathy, teamwork, knowledge, and adaptability. Illinois workers are fortunate to have her advocating on their behalf.
Congratulations!
* On to our next categories…
Best Statewide Officer
Best US Representative
Auditor General Frank Mautino and US Rep. Lauren Underwood won last year, so they are not eligible.
Make sure to explain your nominations or they won’t count, and make sure to nominate in both categories. Thanks.
* And after you nominate your faves, please click here and help us buy Christmas presents for foster kids. It’s the best thing we do all year because it truly makes a differences in the lives of hundreds of children. Thanks!
- Arsenal - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 9:28 am:
My vote for Best Statewide Officer goes to Attorney General Kwame Raoul, for how he has managed the avalanche of litigation against the Trump Administration. He hasn’t shirked from the fight, but he hasn’t been a showhorse about it, either. He’s just quietly but consistently given his team what they need to defend the state.
For best US Rep, I’m going with Nikki Budzinski. She works her district *hard* and is very responsive.
- Moe Berg - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 10:16 am:
I second Arsenal’s nominations.
Gov. Pritzker had a strong year, for sure, but AG Kwame Raoul (and the staff he leads, of course) have really stepped up to the plate big time this year and are meeting the moment. Very proud of them for taking a stand to defend our state from the Trump administration’s predations and fighting on so many fronts.
Also agree that of any of our Congresspeople, I feel I see the most from Congresswoman Budzinski. Very accessible and constant presence in her district, both personally and from a media perspective.
- lake county democrat - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 10:28 am:
Alexi can be annoying, but I think he has the office running well. I don’t think we have any real stars among our reps - trying to look at it objectively I think I’d go with Raja.
- Tom - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 10:47 am:
Kwame has done a yeoman’s job this year of keeping our state and consumers safe from the shenanigans coming out of the White House. His staff is top-notch, and they have filed more lawsuits to help stop the nonsense. They do good PR on it without going overboard like some other statewides. The other real thing is that he is a nice man.
I have to go with Mike Bost on the US Rep. He seems to get things done, and he ran an effective campaign, plus he was once an Illinois House member.
- Franklin - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 11:15 am:
Best statewide, think it has to be Governor Pritzker, perhaps not the most intellectual take but undoubtedly true. We’re lucky to have his leadership given the lack thereof in Washington, the state has really stepped up and I don’t think that would happen without him at the helm. Best rep, agree with Rep. Budzinski, represents her district well, great constituent services, has carved out her own lane and message that’s a uniquely important voice downstate
- Paula - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 11:49 am:
Statewide: I would have to say Alexi. He runs a well oiled Secretary of States office and has great social media presence.
US REP: Rep. Nikki Budzinski without a DOUBT! She is always everywhere all at once, her team is very responsive, and she is just phenomenal!
- Think again - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 11:56 am:
I nominate Darin LaHood for US rep. Representative Darin LaHood (IL-16) played a key role in securing passage of H.R. 167, the Community Reclamation Partnerships Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation provides significant support for Illinois communities by facilitating partnerships to reclaim and restore abandoned coal mines, addressing long-standing environmental and safety challenges.
- Think again - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 12:09 pm:
Sorry, forgot Statewide Officer - Treasurer Michael Frerichs
Liked his actions during the Fed shutdown when he announced a $50 million loan program to assist Federal Workers impacted by the Shutdown.
- GeorgeRyanReynolds - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 12:38 pm:
Statewide: I’ll second the Frerichs nom. Seems to be focused on solutions to the extent he can in the office. Not out there hot dogging it for the most part. (Wanted to pick someone other than Gov. Pritzker, who I think has won this award many times. You could name it after him at this point?)
Congress: Rep. Budzinski works very hard repping a georgraphy large district and her talking-into-the-camera videos are very effective at letting her constituents know where she’s at on the issues and why. Rolls up her sleeves and goes to work.
- Retired SURS Employee - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 12:41 pm:
I vote for Kwame Raoul as the best statewide officer. As a former Assistant AG (many, many years ago), I am amazed at how his office has been everywhere this year. Indeed, while I realize that his office is not the lead counsel in many cases involving the Trump administration; nevertheless, I’m sure that his office is actively involved in the cases that have been brought during the past year.
As for best US Representative, my vote goes to retiring Congressperson Jan Schakowsky for her long and meritorious service to the residents of the 9th Congressional District. Although I am not a resident of that district, it’s where I grew up. I believe her predecessors, like Sidney Yates, would be proud of her service.
- The Opinions Bureau - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 1:16 pm:
Statewide official: Justice Mary Jane Theis wrapped up her term as chief justice this year. I have my criticisms of her, but on balance she has played an important role in dragging Illinois’s recalcitrant good-ol’-boy judiciary into at least the 20th century.
She oversaw the Court during the successful implementation of the pretrial fairness provisions of the SAFE-T Act and this year’s passage of the FAIR Act creating the office of the statewide public defender. Far more work remains to be done, especially in providing resources to community-based groups to help people successfully complete their pretrial obligations, but a great deal of progress was made under Chief Justice Theis’ watch towards a system that prioritizes safety and justice over access to cash and a well-connected lawyer.
Best US Representative: Oh, jeez, I dunno. We’re talking about the least productive Congress in history here. I guess I’ll also go with Rep. Schakowsky in recognition of her long career and the tireless work she did to support Democrats, especially Democratic women, running for office in her district and across the state.
- Arsenal - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 1:45 pm:
==Gov. Pritzker had a strong year, for sure==
Honestly, with the way the state is right now (Dems as the clear governing party, Pritzker as the clear leader of the Dems), Pritzker could deserve to win it every year, but that’s boring.
- Change Agent - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 1:55 pm:
I think I have a comment stuck in moderation. I didn’t use any banned punctuation, which is honestly a huge challenge given my love of exclamation points. But maybe something else got my comment deleted.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 1:59 pm:
=== But maybe something else===
Stick to positives for the people you’re nominating. Don’t bash others.
- McGuppin - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 3:16 pm:
Alexi deserves the nod for Statewide officials. The way that office has been transformed and modernized is amazing, IMO.
U.S. Rep has got to be Nikki Budzinski. She is all about her constituents and seems to be a rare bird in Congress these days - not overly hung up on partisan bickering but rather willing to reach across the aisle to find consensus. We could use a lot more of that.
- IllinoisBadger - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 3:16 pm:
Statewide officer - AG Raoul - His team is always willing to jump into important litigation against the federal administration.
Rep. - Delia Ramirez - she may be in the US House minority but she has worked diligently to hold Kristi Noem and the federal DHS accountable for their inhumane and at times illegal immigration enforcement campaign.
- Philip Shelly - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 3:18 pm:
For best statewide office, I have to pick JB Pritzker.
For representative, I would go with Nikki Budzinski. She’s a tireless advocate for working families, and I really like her New Dems platform!
- Former suburbanite - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 3:24 pm:
Best statewide official: I would have to go with Gov. Pritzker (boring, I know). He’s led progressive policy agendas, and guided us through trying times with a strong fight.
Best US Rep: Delia Ramirez clearly stands out. She is deeply rooted in her community, and has successfully passed impactful legislation, something she started doing in her first term — and that some reps don’t do after many terms. Rep. Ramirez is also an incredibly kind individual and always works to uplift other Democrats, across her sprawling district. She has active constituent services in the entire district, not just Chicago. We need more people like her in DC!
- Corn Cob - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 3:49 pm:
Best statewide officer-JB slam dunk Best Rep. Nikki Budzinski No one works harder than she does for the people in her district.
- Barb B - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 4:02 pm:
My nomination for best Congressman is Nikki Budzenski.
She spends as much time as possible in her district from one end to another. I have seen Congressman Budzinski take time to listen to people’s questions and answer them even though it might make late for another meeting. She is able to work both sides of the aisle and get things done. We need more elected officials like her!
Best Statewide Elected Official is definitely Governor JB Pritzker! He has stood up for our rights to “due process”, he is trying to stop illegal actions by the President and his minions. I am proud that he is our Governor! I am glad he is strong enough to say no to what is wrong!
- Justin - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 4:06 pm:
Best Statewide: My vote goes to Gov. JB Pritzker, for his leading role in standing up to the Trump Regime’s harmful policies.
Best US House Rep: My vote goes to Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL09) for her long record of supporting progressive causes.
- CorpCounsel - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 4:12 pm:
Amanda Elliott is *hands down* one of Illinois’ best assets! Brava, Amanda!
- North Town - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 4:17 pm:
JB going away. He is the best governor ever.
Congresswomen Budzinski is the best. Her knowledge and communication talents are unmatched.
- Shytown - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 4:24 pm:
Statewide officer - this is the year of JB. Full stop. His handiwork on ICE and Trump was a master class.
US Rep goes to Budzinski. She’s all in on her job. No dialing it in. Love how she is working to bring people from rural communities across the country back into the Dem fold. We need more addition and less subtraction to beat Trump and his maga base.
- Candy Dogood - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 4:57 pm:
===Best Statewide Officer===
General Raoul. During the first year of the Trump administration he has risen to the occasion to combat the many actions taken against the State of Illinois by the Trump Administration, including clear violations of federal laws. His office is a critical office during the current government crisis and he has done well.
===Best US Representative===
Sean Casten. I really appreciated the fact that he included heavily GOP congressional districts in his schedule of town halls. I also appreciated that there were folks in those crowds that wouldn’t have identified as Democrats. He made that effort without any intent of running for US Senate and La Hood and Bost aren’t exactly known for having town hall meetings to meet with their constituents, at least not in any fashion that would truly be considered public. Bost has gone as far as describing town hall meetings as, “You know the cleansing that the Orientals used to do” and has done a good job of spending the last 8 years since he made those remarks avoiding them.
Sean Casten showed up and gave those folks a glimpse of of what it would be like who had a representative that cared about the people that lived in their district enough to meet with them and near as I can tell did it without any immediate political advantage or return.