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* The 2014 Golden Horseshoe Award for best political bar in Springfield goes to DH Brown’s…
Good atmosphere and service. Also agree that it is starting to attract both political parties, which is great to see.
Brown’s used to be known as a “Republican tavern,” but it’s now far more “bipartisan.”
* The 2014 Golden Horseshoe Award for best political restaurant in Springfield goes to Obed & Isaac’s…
Their food is fantastic (leg of lamb sandwich, anyone?!), brews and spirits are some of the tastiest in town, and some of the best political convos among staffers take place there. Not to mention their beer garden is great in April for its bocce ball.
O&I is a tad bit outside the usual “sandbox” area, but it’s still close enough to attract a sizable Statehouse crowd.
* OK, on to our next category, with last year’s winners in parentheses…
* The Beth Hamilton Golden Horseshoe Award for Best House Secretary/Admin. Assistant: (Jody Aiello)
* Best Senate Secretary/Admin. Assistant: (Anita Colvin-Barth)
Remember to explain your vote, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 11:51 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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I nominate Lisa Dirksen, the Joan Harris/Halloway (Madmen) of the House Dems. It’s her job to guide and train the secretaries in how best to manage their elected charges. She has the experience and the connections to get things done. She’s the perfect mother hen: never bossy, but always on top of things.
Comment by Namaste Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:21 pm
Kristen Milligan is the best secretary. She has lobbyists, staff, members, and constituents at her desk all day and she handles them all with the same professional demeanor and pleasant attitude.
Comment by John Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:24 pm
Kristin Milligan. She is always the first person that anyone goes to in the Capitol when they have a question. She will always find an answer to your questions and makes the Capitol a better place. Obviously.
Comment by Obviously Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:25 pm
I nominate Lori Bottrell for the best Senate Admin. Asst. She ALWAYS has a smile on her face, helps everyone out regardless of what side of the aisle they’re on or if they’re even in her senator’s district. She’s been here for over 20 yrs. and is a wealth of knowledge that MANY lobbyists, staffers, constituents, etc. turn to on a regular basis. Simple a joy to work with!!
Comment by lathamplace4 Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:27 pm
House: Sally McDaniel Smith - Sally is one of the happiest, most generous people I have known at the capitol. She always has a smile on her face. She will go to lunch with a friend and bring back individual lunch orders for the attorneys in her office stacked on a rolling cart. She answers calls on the weekends to tell people where their files are. Sally is the hands down best.
Comment by Rayne of Terror Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:28 pm
House Assistant: I’m not sure if you can call him a true “legislative assistant”, but Chris Guy with Rep. Kay’s office/operation is a great staffer and a guy who has worked tirelessly to build up the party in Madison County. Rep. Kay certainly has a great asset in Mr. Guy.
Senate Assistant: Dominic Watson (Senator Manar’s guy) is great. He’s everywhere and is a pretty sharp dresser, too.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:28 pm
My nomination from last year remains true: Kelly Large is amazingly organized and very friendly. She manages the gaggle of lobbiests, constituents, retired legislators, and leg. liaisons that seem to collect in the reception area outside Mautino’s office. All the while, Leader Mautino is kept on track with a broad range of meetings, bills, callers, and visitors. And, everyone there always seems happy.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:31 pm
Kristin Milligan in Rep. Sullivan’s office. She puts up with numerous lobbyists/staff/Representatives at her desk and in her space all day long and never complains. She’s always there and willing to help. And most importantly- she’s a pretty good after session party planner! God love her!
Comment by Yes please Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:34 pm
===but Chris Guy with Rep. Kay’s office/operation is a great staffer====
Not a huge Kay fan, but any Guy named Guy seems like a good Guy to support.
A Guy
Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:34 pm
Best secretary I vote for Kristin Milligan. She is an old school bruiser with a new age outlook. If I ever need any question answered from either side of the aisle, I ask Kristin. If she doesn’t know the answer, she knows how to get it. Kristin is a weath of knowledge and isn’t reluctant the share it. She goes out of her way to welcome and help everyone who comes by her office. Always willing to learn new technology, she will be a great resource for all under the dome as we move towards more electronic communication.
Comment by Kunu Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:36 pm
Kristin Milligan! Anyone who has ever met Kristin would consider her their #1 person to go to in the Capitol for anything and everything. She either has the answer you need or will go above and beyond to get it for you. Even if you’re looking for someone…she will track them down in a matter of minutes. She puts up with everyone’s issues (personal and professional) and above all plans the end of session party every year. Simply put, Kristin is the best!
Comment by Jerry Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:37 pm
A Guy - both Rep. Kay and Chris are class acts.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:39 pm
For Senate, hands down Senator Mulroe’s assistant Lisa Katava. Very friendly and always goes out of her way to be helpful. She is great at helping navigate and if she does not know the answer to something, she quickly points you in the right direction. When I was getting started I would have been totally lost without her help, or at least much more lost than I was!
Comment by Snow Shoes Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:43 pm
Kristin Milligan, because if the award wasn’t already named for Beth, it should be for Kristin. All the usual suspects & hanger-oners know why Kristin should win this every year. There’s nobody better or more helpful to us Statehau5 types. I’d vote early & often for Kristin. She’s the best!
Comment by Anonymau5 Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:48 pm
I enthusiastically nominate Teresa Jones, whom the Senate is sadly losing (at the end of this week) to AARP. Teresa is Sen. Collins’ longtime assistant and not only knows EVERYBODY but has an unrivaled talent for putting everyone at ease. You go to her desk for information and insight but also sympathy, humor, no-nonsense de-stressing and if you’re really lucky, homemade banana pudding. I’m truly not sure what Sen. Collins is going to do without her. She’ll be missed greatly, and I wish her all the best and would love for her to win the Golden Horseshoe on her way out.
Comment by Commander Norton Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 12:49 pm
House: Tony Snow - it’s probably not the easiest job in the world working for Moylan and the Fax’s favorite federal prosecutor this side of the Mississippi, but Snow is very professional and certainly on top of things.
Senate: Lisa Katava is by far one of the nicest, friendliest ladies you’ll come across in the GA. She’s extremely thoughtful and helpful, and has a every infectious laugh that just makes people around her a little bit happier regardless if your bill is dead in the water.
Comment by The Muse Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 1:18 pm
I would like to nominate Cheri Burton in Leader Jim Durkin’s office as “Best House Secretary”. She made easy work of a tough transition from 6th Floor secretary to becoming secretary/gatekeeper for one of the “Four Tops”. She does her work with grace and a smile. Cheri follows through on her promises, returns calls and keeps the Leader on his toes.
Comment by Knome Sane (now known as "The Real Sock Puppet") Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 1:21 pm
Kristin Milligan- Why? Simply the best. Her ability to multi task while legislators, staff, and lobbyists chatter within 3 feet of her is amazing. As others have mentioned, if you need an answer or guidance on where to go, Kristin is THE person. Rep. Sullivan is lucky to have her.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 1:26 pm
Let’s give the House award to Mika Baugher — the GateKeeper General of Room 300 she keep track of more business in a day than most do in a life time.
BTW picking the Obed place was great — all the uppies can crowd in there and keep good places les crowded.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 1:27 pm
Beth Chapman. She’s got a very liberal Chicago legislator (Cassidy) and a downstater (Phelps) and can switch gears on a dime when taking calls. She’s able to serve two almost completely different constituencies with the unique touch needed for both.
She’s also one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet, and has the best candy on her desk!
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 1:37 pm
Senate Katavia in Senator Mulroe’s office. She’s in a busy area but is always able to keep Mulroe on track. Not only is she always helpful and kind, I’m not sure I’ve met anyone in, or out of, the capitol as genuine and conscientious she is. Lisa doesn’t bring a lot of attention to herself but she’s definitely earned recognition.
Comment by liberal lady Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 2:12 pm
Kristin Milligan hands down. Why? A typical session day for her entails hosting a smorgasbord of the Who’s Who in Illinois politics in her office behind the House floor. Kristin is the focal point of that (Rep. Sullivan’s) office and almost any walk-in will find a helpful, smiling face behind that desk.
She deserves a raise more than a Golden Horseshoe.
Comment by Hemingway's Bartender Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 2:17 pm
In the House: Beth Chapman who staffs both Kelly Cassidy and Brandon Phelps. She juggles the diverse issues, groups and constituents brilliantly and always with a smile. Plus she always keeps chocolate on her desk.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 2:25 pm
Has Jan Hohl won (Sen. Sullivan)? She is so wonderful to work with. She is so kind and organized. She is an absolute joy to work with.
If she has, then my runner up is Lisa Katava (Sen. Mulroe). She is so sweet and always quick to return messages. She seem like a genuine and lovely person.
Comment by Miss Marie Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 2:28 pm
I nominate Beth Chapman. She is amazing on all levels. She is he repository of all important information and answers to all questions about what is going on in Springfield. This is not just a job to her, but who she is. She is passionate about the internal working of government and does not show any bias.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 3:22 pm
Stephanie Saunders (Hernandez/Lilly)– she has never been anything but incredibly helpful to me, even when she is obviously totally swamped. She is funny and friendly, and goes out of her way to track people down, pull together meetings.. she makes things happen!
Comment by Car2 Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 3:29 pm
House - Beth Chapman - with two legislators that couldn’t represent more different districts she does an amazing job juggling both of them - always with a smile on her face.
Senate - Natalia Soloman - sweet, kind and always reliable. She gets my vote!
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 3:30 pm
One cannot forget who Beth Chapman staffs-Kelly Cassidy and Brandon Phelps! People know they are great friends but come on they are total opposites and she does a fantastic job staffing them! Hands down it should be Beth!
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 3:41 pm
I’ve gotta go with Beth Chapman. Watching her juggle Cassidy’s and Phelps’ issues and constituents is endlessly fascinating. She’s always got a smile on her face, candy on her desk and a helping hand for anyone in need.
Comment by Not Me Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 4:03 pm
Team Sleep, I was having some fun. Hope your Guy does well in this contest. Plenty are worthy.
Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 4:18 pm
Lisa Katava has to be one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure of meeting. She has to be the winner this year!
Comment by the heckler Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 4:20 pm
For Senate–I’d say Donna Hickman. She is a very sweet woman and very delightful.
Comment by Gin and Politics Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 4:53 pm
Linda Baumgartner is a class act! She is the hidden gem in the Senate. For over 30 years she has handled very busy Senators Maitland-Dillard never complaining. Making sure everything goes smoothly day in and day out!
Comment by Tired Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 5:10 pm
Kristin Milligan is great in the House. She puts up with so many characters. Linda Baumgartner who has handled Sen. Dillard so well for so many years. She is a class act
Comment by Watcher Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 5:13 pm
Since there seems to be a movement here, I will go ahead and weigh in for Kristin Milligan. She is always calm, friendly, on top of things. If you need something, you go to Kristin. In the Senate there have been several good nominations but I want to give a nomination to Cheryl Sakris in Althoff’s office. Sweet person and always willing to go the extra step to help you out, even if you are a pesky lobbyist.
Comment by anonymous Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 5:17 pm
Kristin Milligan is the secretary and administrative assistant for Leader Sullivan but handles dozens of matters for a bunch of other Democrats and Republicans every session day. I’ve seen her handling fishing license issues, gun permits, liquor control regulations. She’s multi-dimensional and knows how to get things done!
Comment by lobbyist dan Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 5:34 pm
I would like to nominate EJ Hall on the House Dem Staff. He is one of the nicest guys in the Capitol and will always go out of his way to help others. He deserves to be in this conversation and always does a great job.
Comment by Xavier Woods Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 6:13 pm
Lisa Katava is wonderful assistant on the senate side. Her warm and inviting personality is one of the few things you can always count on at the capitol. She has a great sense of fashion, in addition to a very contagious smile.
Comment by Janie Jones Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 6:37 pm
Linda Baumgartner who worked for Senator Dillard and another Senator prior to Dillard. She is a class act and always willing to help anyone (even if you are not from her Senator’s district). I think she deserves a nod before she retires.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 7:08 pm
Linda Baumgartner has always got the job done! She has been in the minority as well as majority. She had to handle top notch Senators and Rules committee 1 hour posting. Of course did it with ease. She trained many new LA and lobbyist. Always gracious to constituents. She had to handle the whole State for Dillard. She is irreplaceable!
Comment by Cruisejan Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 8:38 pm
Having business at the Capitol fairly often you get to meet a lot of people, elected officials, Leg. Asst’s, and State employees in various agencies. Of all that I have met, Senator Mulroe’s L.A. Lisa Katava has to be the best. She speaks to everyone, pays attention to what you are saying, and goes out of her way to accommodate everyone. If I haven’t said it before, ” Thank you Lisa.”
Comment by Visitor Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 8:45 pm
EJ Hall for House. Always glad to give a much-needed, helping hand
Comment by Ben Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 8:59 pm
That’s a no brainer, Lisa Katava, Senator Mulroe’s assistant, is very accommodating, helpful, and takes care of everyone. She’s the nicest person! Also, she’s very stylish! In the house, her daughter, Erica Katava, is just like her mother. She works for Rep Welch and Rep Willis.
Comment by wild flower Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 9:03 pm
Kristin Milligan all the way!
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 9:38 pm
Katherine Underwood in President Cullerton’s office is always pleasant and professional. She is a great choice.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 4, 14 @ 6:23 am
John Mulroe is fortunate to have a competent and helpful assistant. Lisa is always going out of her way to help her member, constituents, other members, and even lobbyists.
Comment by Moe Szylak Thursday, Dec 4, 14 @ 10:41 am