* The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best US Representative goes to Lauren Underwood…

She is active in her community and Washington alike. She connects with and supports constituents across the ideological spectrum, deservedly outperforming other Democrats by significant margins electorally. In Washington, she is focused on major initiatives, including on Black maternal healthcare, and has a proven track record of working across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation, something that will be critical in the coming years. Not only that, but Congresswoman Underwood is a strong supporter of growing our party and engaging the next generation — she uplifts local candidates through her Farm Team PAC, and is even a big part of why I became politically involved. We need more Democrats like Underwood who focus on uplifting others and true public service.

* The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Statewide Officer goes to Auditor General Frank Mautino…

Most of what he and his team do is behind the scenes, but it is vital. Throughout the year, they report on the good, the bad, and the ugly, which allows the agencies, the General Assembly, and the other state-wides to identify and address areas in need of improvement. Mautino’s depth of understanding about state government allows him to assist anyone who asks “what,” “why,” “which,” and other questions about the various machinations of state government. Mautino’s demeanor suits the position well.

Congrats to both.

* Our final category…

The Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.com Commenter

Please make sure to explain your nomination or it won’t count.

* As Isabel has told you, today is the last day we’ll be reminding y’all about donating to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois to help them give Christmas presents to foster kids. You can give after today, of course. But if you’ve been procrastinating, or have a few extra bucks left in your holiday budget, now would be a good time to give. Please, click here. Thanks!

*** UPDATE *** An anonymous donor has just contributed $5,000 to help buy Christmas presents for foster kids. Many thanks! We’re now up to $43,442. That’s great!!! But, you know, LSSI could always use more. We’ve raised enough to buy presents for 1,738 kids, but there are hundreds more out there. Please, click here.