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* Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno’s operation was the only one which picked up any seats last month. Knocking off a third generation political scion like Mike Jacobs wasn’t easy and was a complete team effort, from the very top of Radogno’s staff right on down. So, I’m breaking with tradition and giving the 2014 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Senate Republican Campaign Staffer to three incredible people: Nick McNeely, Jim Reis and Rachel Bold…
Reis helped [Republican candidate Neil Anderson] fundraise relentlessly and local money funded the exceptional ground game that McNeely and Bold pulled together. SGOP should put a team like those three on every race - it really paid off.
I completely agree. I really like the way the SGOPs ran their operation this year. More like this, please.
* The crowd favorite for the 2014 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Senate Democratic Campaign Staffer was obvious, the inestimable Mitch Schaben…
While many people began working on campaigns in June or July this year, Mitch started working on Manar’s campaign the day after he finished stomping Mark Minor in Forby’s district in 2012. The Senate GOP’s might as well write off whatever race he is on in 2016, because he won’t be outworked. I would call him a machine, but I think he would outwork most machines. Manar is a great candidate, but you need more than a great candidate to run up an 11 point lead in a bad year in a Republican leaning district.
It also couldn’t have been easy to have been the former chief of staff’s campaign manager. Manar is super-smart, so his manager had to bring his “A Game” every, single day.
* OK, on to our next categories, with last year’s winners in parentheses…
* Best Illinois State Representative - Democrat (Rep. Greg Harris)
* Best Illinois State Senator - Democrat (Sen. Kwame Raoul)
I decided yesterday that, from now on, the realities of Statehouse partisanship dictate lumping these party categories together. I’m much more likely to get responses for both categories by doing it this way. Or, at least, that’s the theory. We’ll see how it works today.
Remember to explain your nominations or they won’t count and please do your utmost to nominate in both categories. Thanks!
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 1:17 pm
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Best Dem Rep: John Bradley for sticking with the long and frustrating process of negotiating, passing, and implementing a bi-partisan, compromise, fracking law. He dealt with some of the most powerful and passionate advocates on both sides, maintained his grace and cool, and came out the other side with hide intact. “I’m just a simple country lawyer” my rear end!
Best Dem Senator: Daniel Biss. He tackles the most difficult problems, takes risks, and sometimes is wrong. He doesn’t play it safe ever. His solutions are often new, and most important the numbers add up. His new program for employee savings boosts him back to the lead.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 1:33 pm
Illinois State Rep: Rep. Zalewski who continues to emerge as both a political force in Springfield and a hard worker at home. He’s taken on criminal justice reform by balancing law enforcement and community concerns, and he got seriously hosed by gubernatorial politics on months of work crafting a commonsense bill in the Uber fight. He’s definitely a rising star in the Democratic party.
2nd place goes to Rep. Phelps. His genuine effort on concealed carry to bridge the partisan and geographic divide to find some kind of compromise (albeit too much slanted to the gun lobby for my personal liking) shows he’s a serious lawmaker who wants to take on serious issues.
Best Illinois State Senator: Andy Manar is an easy choice. SB16 took months and months of work, and he pushed for it likely knowing the political ramifications for himself and his colleagues in both chambers because he believes it’s the right thing to do. Hopefully his victory in November, due to hard work and determination, will show other lawmakers that it is possible to push controversial, but important, legislation and still win an election.
2nd place goes to Senate President Cullerton. Nothing in that chamber passes without his OK, and many things with his OK don’t get passed until he gets personally involved. He stays under the radar in his efforts to push bills as much as possible to ensure his members get the credit. That’s the hallmark of a great leader.
Comment by Curious Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 1:33 pm
I’m going to go with the home district and nominate Christian Mitchell.
Christian is a young guy and it would be easy to believe that he was sent to Springfield to follow orders and not take enemies.
That hasn’t been the case though. He’s shown some real leadership and he’s stood up to certain interest groups.
He doesn’t simply play to the base. The district runs from the Gold Coast to the south side, and yet he’s been good at watching out for the entire district.
For the State Senate I’m going to deviate from what we typically do here (go with the rank and file) and instead nominate Sen. Cullerton. He was in a tough position on pension reform, but he made compelling arguments. In light of what the Court is expected to do, he’s positioned himself to call the shots on the next attempt at reform.
Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 1:53 pm
===instead nominate Sen. Cullerton===
Chamber leaders aren’t eligible.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 1:54 pm
State Senate: Daniel Biss. He takes on the tough issues and gets results that help thousands of Illinoisans, like Secure Choice.
State Rep: Christian Mitchell. His youth and energy freshen up the House and yet he hasn’t let his freshman status hold him back from taking action and speaking up.
Comment by Knee Jerk Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 2:14 pm
In the House, I’m going with Mike Z. He’s shepherded some huge issues through the State House and been a key negotiator on others. He has the respect of everyone in the chamber and has the ability to reach across political and geographic barriers. His future is exceptionally bright.
In the Senate, I’m going with Andy Manar. Hard worker, knows more about everything than most members AND staff, has the gumption to lead on divisive issues but still picks his battles well. He’s the whole package. If he were from Chicago, I’d say he’d be the next President. Since he’s not, I wouldn’t be surprised if he found his way to a statewide office or Congressional seat one day.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 2:14 pm
Dem Rep - I would go with Art Turner. That guy is just smooth and has an awesome future. Definitely one of the nicer guys under The Dome.
Dem Senator - Dan Biss. He is one the smartest elected officials I have ever met. I got the sense when he moved up to the Senate that a lot of his chamber maters did not care for him. I still get the sense that some of the more entrenched members view him with a skeptical eye. However, there is no denying his smarts and his will.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 2:23 pm
House — Lang and Curry probably are the top candidates, but let’s go with some relatively new blood: Mike Zalewski. Very hard working, carries a lot of complex litigation, and he happens to be a really nice guy. Love his criminal justice reform stuff — would like to see him run for Cook County State’s Atty some day.
Senate — Tough call, lots of good choices, but I’ll go with Bill Haine. Classy as they come and I can’t get enough of his history lessons. Has an ability to talk sense and find a middle ground during contentious committee hearings. And just when you think he can be stereo-typed as a typical, downstate conservative Dem he suprises you by sponsoring medical marijuana.
Comment by Tony t. Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 2:33 pm
For the Senate, Andy Manar hands down. He decided to take head on one of the most difficult issues in state government for the past 30 years. He has had to work statewide on an issue that affects every school in the state and is constantly in the spotlight. Former Governors and legislative leaders have been stymied by this issue. He managed to get a very controversial bill passed in the Senate even when most of his colleagues agree the bill needs more work. He’s still moving the issue forward.
Comment by CD Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 2:59 pm
Senate: Dan Biss stepped up and worked the hell out of secure choice. He did the hard work to pass a smart and innovative bill, and for the most part that was done by convincing people to vote yes based on the merits of the thing itself– not an easy task, especially when it involves explaining the difference between myriad retirement plans and fee structures. Plus Biss succeeded at getting the Senate President to back him up in the final days of veto. I would have gone with Manar, but he really didn’t work his bill in the other chamber the same way Biss did.
House: Z’s twitter battles alone are reason enough for me to nominate him.
Comment by Who else Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 3:57 pm
For the House, has to be Marcus Evans. He really knows his issues and works the district harder than anybody I’ve ever met. Art Turner also gets a nod. He is young, an attorney, in leadership, and he comes from a great family.
In the Senate, I like Mike Jacobs for always saying what everybody else is thinking but are too afraid to say it.
Comment by Gator Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 3:58 pm
House - I have to give it this year to Frank Mautino. A tireless leader that is given some of the most difficult tasks — especially sheparding the budget. He’s quiet, low-key, an honest broker and extremely effective. Very few come close to the yeoman’s work that Mautino does, and Mautino will always call you back.
Senate - Mike Hastings gets my nod this year. For a newer Senator, he’s taken on some of the larger issues, plus he’s quickly earned the trust of President Cullerton. Also, very important, he returns phone calls.
Comment by unclesam Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 4:12 pm
Honest to goodness. Not with any malice, but a statement of the most recent GA, I wouldn’t nominate anyone. It just wasn’t the kind of session that produced greatness in either chamber on either side. In fact, I’d vote to not give this esteemed award in this category this year.
Comment by A guy... Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 4:30 pm
House: Mike Z is one of the most effective, smart, and dedicated legislators in Illinois. The guy is relentless and excellent at working with the opposition.
Senate: Matt Murphy–just a classy, solid legislator.
Comment by Interested observer Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 4:38 pm
What I find incredibly foolish is not understanding that 177 members of the General Assembly are sti 177 individuals. Each bringing something special and unique to a job that is so thankless at times, and I guess so thankless some say none of them are worth recognition by those who follow then o so closely, and understand the real challenges these 177 face beyond soundbites and slogans.
These Horsehoes have evolved as a salute to those by others who see beyond newsletters and commercials.
If ithis year, this GA didn’t meet your criteria of worthiness, maybe your piety and expectations of what the men and women who fill those sweats, and who they are, misses the whole point of why it’s inportant to recognize peers, colleagues, friends, and even heroes, when it’s just too easy to throw up out hands abd say no one is deserving.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 4:43 pm
* Best Illinois State Representative - Democrat
Sometimes, being on one side of things, you are viewed in that snapshot beibg one way, ignoring the bigger picture of who you are, abd how you really are beyond a “simple” situation.
Rep. Frank Mautino is seen and known as one of the most collegial members of the General Assembly, abd someone both sides of the aisle turn to to find where common ground is. Mautino represents a district that can be argued he mirrors well, or it mirrors his sensibility by knowing what they have with him in the House. Mautino understands partisanship but is a strong practitioner of fair play too.
I nominate Rep. Mautino this year because of how he has always gone about his business is more about one body working together, than two parties trying to rip it apart.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 5:01 pm
The House: Rep Curry is incredibly effective at getting things done - or not getting them done - whenever she wants and there are few brighter people in Springfield. She knows every single issue like the back of her hand. Her sometimes pointed comments towards the Republican side on the floor also make me laugh.
Senate Side: Sen Biss, I really admire the guy’s work ethic on the issues although I dont always agree with him.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 5:09 pm
Sen. Andy Manar for the Senate not for his commendable work on school funding but for navigating through a tricky district incredibly well, so well that he doesn’t get credit. Conservatives I know love the guy despite knowing many votes he has taken that drive them crazy. Liberals I know love the guy too despite a few votes he has taken. Even his political enemies respect him. He manages complex policy issues well and he manages the politics of a conservative district well which is why he was easily re-elected. Not too many members of the Senate represent districts as difficult as Sen. Manar.
Comment by Millikin Dem Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 6:23 pm
Illinois State Representative - Elgie Sims, hands down!!!! Here’s a guy who in addition to knowing the budget inside and out, is able to talk intelligently about any issue, but his work under the dome doesn’t come close to the work he does back in his district and he is as easy to talk to as they come. The Chicago Tribune got it right with this one, he is a “Rising Star.”
Illinois State Senator - Daniel Biss, he is smart, willing to work on tough issues and relentless. His work on pension reform is commendable as he added an element to the discussion that presented a perspective that while many disagreed with the outcomes they could not disagree with the thought process.
Comment by Suburban Sam Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 7:56 pm
House - Elgie Sims, solid legislator; a quiet, hard working “just get the job done” kind of guy.
Senate - Andy Manar, his work on SB 16 was admirable.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 8:26 pm
State Rep. - Kate Cloonen; she should be recognized for her 2 nail biters alone.
Senate - Donne Trotter; his bow tie game is as unrivaled as his knowledge of the budget.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 8:38 pm
* Best Illinois State Senator - Democrat
Being in the Super Majority has its own challenges, especially when expectations are met with trying to heed the cats that is the Caucus you reside. These last two years, and especially this last year, those who understood best the difficulty continued to shine brughtest.
Sen. Don Harmon has been a sounding board that thise lookibg for the answer to “why” turned to to get down to what really can get accomplished. With a great deal of political skill, Harmon showed his leadership chops.
While being a sounding board to whats going on in Springfield, Harmon understands the needs of his district, and is a fine reflection of it, all the while trying to keep in mind what is best for the state at the same time.
I nominate Sen. Don Harmon for understanding his role in his Caucus, in the senate, and being more than accountable and responsive to his district. They are lucky to have him.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 10:29 pm
Another vote for Mautino: While the two nominations already up are solid, the work he did as Chair of the joint investigation committee this summer and fall should put him over top. First, just taking on the job put a huge target on his back that almost cost him his seat - he knew that going in and still took on the task. Second, he let the Republicans run the investigation into the ground where it mostly petered out because there was so little there there. A less experienced or steady hand might have tried to block the Republicans which would have made more headlines for them. Finally, he did not call out an occasionally dozing Republican senator during the hearings; that would have been an easy laugh at someone’s expense, but Mautino took the high ground.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 10:44 pm
House: Rep Bradley - The guy is good. He has mastered the art of bending to the will of the speaker, but not breaking.
Senate: Manar. Nobody denies Biss’ potential to pass some extraordinary legislation, or his otherworldly intellect. But Manar stands out when you compare their voting records. Biss has the luxury of location. Manar has the gall to vote like a “northerner” in a district pretty far south. On top of that, he survived his voting record in an off-year election all while tackling, arguably, one of the toughest issues in the state. He has a political mind that few in the GA can match. Unlimited potential.
Comment by Under Influenced... Tuesday, Dec 9, 14 @ 11:28 pm