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Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards

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Illinois

* The 2016 Golden Horseshoe Award for best political bar goes to DH Brown’s. “Great beer, fun jukebox, bipartisan non uptight crowd,” wrote a commenter. “Always has the most politicos,” says another. “It’s just cool that you can find all kinds of lobsters there in the afternoon, and legislators make it a pit stop through out the night,” wrote yet another. Sangamo Club wins runner-up because it’s a go-to meeting spot for heavy hitters.

* The 2016 Golden Horseshoe Award for best political restaurant goes to, who else? Saputo’s. “Years of meals and deals,” is how one commenter described it. Runner-up goes to Augies, mainly for this nomination…

Augie’s is hands-down the best political restaurant. In addition to good food, you can always “get work done” while having dinner as there are always opportunities to “run into” someone you just happen to need to see on an issue (legislator or staffer). Also, it has become a regular haunt of Gov. Rauner and his wife, which makes Augie’s just that much better as a “political” restaurant.

* On to today’s categories…

* Best Senate Secretary/Admin. Assistant

* Best House Secretary/Admin. Assistant

As always, make sure to explain your votes or they won’t count. Also, please do your best to nominate in both categories. Thanks!

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 1:55 pm

Comments

Cindy Miller Senator McCann’s Admin. Very friendly, always greets you with a smile.

JoAnn Sullivan Speaker Madigan’s Admin. Always the professional but always pleasant.

Comment by nadia Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 2:07 pm
I believe the Senate award was named for repeat winner Robin Gragg last year, or else I’d nominate her for another well earned honor. Instead, I’ll suggest Leader Sullivan’s Jan Hohl, who is always helpful, professional, and cheerful in her work. Her desk is an island of sanity in a sea of looney.

Speaking of repeat winners, I’ll nominate Leader Currie’s Carol Shehorn from a cast of deserving House admins. Carol makes everyone who stops by her desk feel respected. She is not only great at what she does, but truly a great and well balanced person.

Comment by Linus Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 2:21 pm
agreed on Cindy Miller with Sam McCann. Always very communicative and nice

Comment by chi girl Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 2:21 pm
House: Miss Gloria for Rep. Dunkin. She has had to put up with a lot and always did it with a smile. Very professional and helpful even when things get stressful.

Senate: I’ll second Cindy Miller for McCann. Always very pleasant to work with

Comment by frisbee Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 2:24 pm
Mary Alice Sieracki runs Sen. Haine’s office with great efficiency. It’s always packed with constant meetings and dozens of issues to juggle. He generally carries a huge legislative load with the Insurance Committee Chairmanship to boot. She keeps the whole operation running smoothly and is always delightful to work with regardless which side of an issue you find yourself on.

You have to wander pretty deep into Leader Durkin’s office to find Elizabeth Laird. Most lobbyists rarely find themselves back there but when you do you know something big is moving. Elisabeth is incredibly helpful and great to work with.

Comment by Postbot 6000 Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 2:33 pm
Hands down winner ought to be Joann Sullivan in the Speaker’s Office. Class act who has kept everything headed in the right direction for years.

Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 2:36 pm
Seems appropriate for both Carol Shehorn and JoAnn Sullivan. Both are two of the nicest people in the building, and always a pleasure to work with. Both are extremely professional and extremely pleasant, and both will be missed upon their retirement this month.

Comment by JoeMaddon Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 3:30 pm
C’mon, people. We need more nominations!

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 3:50 pm
Sometimes a person’s value isn’t fully appreciated until after they’re gone. In both the House and Senate this will be the case for JoAnn Sullivan (Speaker Madigan) and Jan Hohl (Sen. John Sullivan).

Comment by Comment Provider Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 3:57 pm
JoAnne Sullivan is the best as sure as sky is blue.

Comment by Dirty Red Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:06 pm
Jan Hohl (Sen. John Sullivan)

Comment by Barbie Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:10 pm
House: Kay Peet, Rep. Tryon, Kay is so very kind and an awesome human being. She is so gracious and often cooks many pots of home made food on her own dime and her own time for anyone at work to enjoy. Especially during her time on the third floor of the Capitol behind the chamber. Kay knows everyone who works there and also has a hug for you. She will be deeply missed by me and so many more looking for human decency at the Capitol.

For Senate: Judy Dowis (Senator Terry Link). I just love coming behind the Senate chamber to visit Judy. I’ll dance past her office door and she instantly know who I am. He is so patient and kind, and she goes above and beyond, both on a slow day at the Capitol and and hectic, end-of-session day. Such a great person and great advocate for her Senator.

Comment by Eddy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:17 pm
House - Lynn w/ Rep. Hammond. Always very friendly and returns all calls and does her best to get everyone in to see Norine, even large groups.
Senate - Lisa w/ Sen. Mulroe. Never stops smiling, makes a point to get to know your name, and always has candy AND coffee!!

Comment by SD Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:24 pm
Senate: Cindy Miller with Senator McCann’s offics. She is very thoughtful of the Senator’s constituents and goes above and beyond to show personal attention to those constituents. Robin Gragg and Kathryn Underwood in Speaker Cullerton’s office. They are always extremely kind and professional and always have a solid answer. The same for Natalia Solomon with Senator Raoul and also Mindy Weir with Senator Manar’s office.
House: Matt Butcher with Representative Butler’s office - hard worker, positive attitude. Cathy Scaife with Representative Barickman’s office - Cathy has been around and knows her stuff - she is efficient and is timely in following-up with requests.
We are fortunate to have so many on both sides of the aisle for both the House and Senate. Thank you all for keeping us all together!

Comment by savoir-faire is everywhere Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 4:49 pm
House is tough, will think more.

For the Senate how about a corner? The Trifecta of Stearns, Raoul, and Laura Murphy with Ashlyn Deakin, Natalia Solomon, and Kara Small is fun, honest, and to the point.

Comment by Prairie Swamp Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:01 pm
I second Lisa in the Senate. She is always so helpful and kind. She values your time.

Comment by TBU Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:15 pm
Lisa Katava, Senator John Mulroe’s LA, is one of the nicest and most helpful legislative assistants in Springfield. Not only does she go out of her way to help constituents, but also shows her kindness to lobbyists and staff members. By far one of the best!

Comment by CapitolCreature Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 6:51 pm
My Admin, Martha Kohlrus. I regularly hear from constituents regarding the great service they have received from Martha whether they called, emailed or stopped by my office. She has done all she can to get me up to speed my first year in Springfield. I don’t believe I have ever met a person that can maintain such a positive attitude regardless of work load.

Comment by Senator Weaver Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 7:17 pm
House Lynn Langdon with Rep. Norine Hammond. Very accommodating, always pleasant and works folks into the schedule! Very professional!

Senate Jan with Sen. Sullivan. Always friendly and does her best to work with the schedule.

Comment by Downstate Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 7:55 pm
Lynn Langdon for the House. Always incredibly kind and helpful. She’s earned this one.

Comment by Downstate Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 8:08 pm
Lynn Langdon, Rep. Hammond’s LA in the House, and Cindy Miller with Senator McCann! Both ladies are super helpful,and a joy to work with!

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 8:15 pm
Lynn Langdon with Rep. Hammond. Lynn is always helpful & patient. She’s a true professional.

Comment by Annabelle Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 8:17 pm
Mary Alice in Sen Haines office. Always professional, helpful and kind. Even when there is a long string of people waiting to see the senator.

Lynn in Rep Hammond’s office. What a tereffic person- always a smile & quite the pro. Has been around for years and knows the process. Was always a pleasure with Joann Osmond and now Norine

Comment by Corn cob Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 8:22 pm
I’d agree with Lynn Langdon (Hammond) in the House. She is very helpful in getting constituents and groups in to see Norine.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 8:27 pm
Lynn Langdon with Rep Hammond’s office!! She is just wonderful and friendly!!

Comment by CRenner92 Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 8:31 pm
House - I also nominate Lynn Langdon with Rep. Hammond. She is very nice and talented. I have set up several things through Lynn but she always excels when I throw her curveballs when setting up visits for our high school kids. She goes above and beyond making sure everything runs smoothly and gets done. It is just such a pleasure working with her and she does a great job keeping Norine going and on task!

Senate - Jan with Sen Sullivan. Much of what I said about Lynn is a big ditto for Jan. She really does a great job with Sen. Sullivan and is terrific.

High marks for both these wonderful ladies! They both make you remember the good things about government.

Comment by Hoping for Rational Thought Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 8:45 pm
Lynn Langdon with Representative Hammond’s office is always helpful when visiting the capitol. I envy her amazing organizational skills.

Comment by BB Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 9:13 pm
There are many legislative assistants that are kind and professional that care about their jobs, but I will second Lynn with Representative Hammond. From her days in the early 90s working on the House Republican staff in a “pool” of typists to her current responsibilities in a supervisory role and as Representatives Hammond’s assistant, Lynn treats others with kindness and respect. Also, due to her years of legislative experience in different roles, she is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to help anyone in need that crosses her path. On the Senate side, Marcia with Munoz is always helpful in a very busy office environment and is indulgent of the numbers that sometimes gather in her waiting area.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 9:55 pm
I echo the nominations for Lynn Langdon. I have known her for many years and seen her expertly guide countless legislators, staff, and lobbyists. She is a diligent worker who never complains about putting in extra time to take care of her members. Lynn has a great sense of humor and positive attitude, both of which are essential when working around the General Assembly.

On the Senate side I would nominate Lara Britton who works for Senator Collins. Lara is one of the nicest and most professional people under the Dome.

Comment by Common Cents Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 9:58 pm
I nominate Lynn Langdon with Rep Hammond. She is always extremely professional and goes above and beyond to do what she can. Extremely polite as well. She always puts the overall good for the citizens of Illinois first! She is extremely organized and knowledgeable. She deserves to be recognized for her hard work day in and day out for all of us!!

Comment by IllinoisRocks Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 10:05 pm
I talk with just about every LA under the Dome - I’m one of the few who works both chambers, both sides. Cindy Miller with Senator McCann’s office was who they were thinking of when they coined the term “consummate professional”. McCann has a large and surprisingly diverse district and he walks the line well; something tells me that her communications skills aid greatly in this exercise. Cindy always has a smile, works hard to get the answer, and, what I love most, always treats people very professionally and respectfully - no matter who you are.
House is a little tougher - a lot of great talent, both amongst the veterans and the younger blood. I really struggle with this one. I’ve been impressed, especially with all the stuff that’s gone on in the House over the last couple of years. I really thought it would put a strain on the LA’s that would show in a negative way at the reception desk. But it hasn’t. These professionals have really stepped up to the plate. All that said, it’s a tie for me: JoAnn Sullivan with the Speaker’s office and Lynn Langdon with Representative Hammond are topnotch. Both have a great attitude and get the job done.

Comment by Ben Around Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 10:25 pm
Bobbi Drew House Representatives Mayfield
and Jones. she is smart, hardworking, and
knows all the players in the capital.

Comment by Springfield Boy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 11:09 pm
Bobbi Drew House LA JONES and Mayfield she is smart, hardworking. she knows all the players in the capital.

Comment by Springfield Boy Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 11:14 pm
Dealing with the State of Illinois, the public, and sometimes with our elected officials can be overwhelming. Not really anyone’s fault…just busy times. The one person who always makes time for others and goes out of her way to help everyone is Sen. Mulroe’s Assistant, Lisa Katava. She is truly a kind and compassionate person who only see’s the best in others and does her job with a smile. Lisa makes everyone (Lobbyists, Constituent’s, and State of Illinois employees) feel welcomed and important. She is knowledgeable and gives freely of her time to help others. Thank you Lisa!!!!!

Comment by Thankful Tuesday, Dec 6, 16 @ 11:24 pm
Lynn Langdon with Rep. Hammond is one of the most professional people in the entire Capitol complex. She not only manages everything for Rep. Hammond superbly but she also does a great job with assisting everyone else. If you ever need anything you go to Lynn. She is also a pro at organizing large dinners for members and other groups which can take some serious time. Most of all, she is a wonderful person with a great attitude.

Senate/Mary Lou Frank with Leader Radogno. Wonderful nice person who is always so helpful even when she is busy with the Leader and all of her requests on a season day. That awesome attitude goes a long way and she is awesome at her job.

Comment by Chris Sale's Dyed Socks Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:31 am
Mindy Weir (Manar)is the absolute best! She always has a smile on her face regardless of how long the line is out her office door on a very hectic session day. Mindy knows how to keep a very busy member organized and is always ready to lend a hand. We need more Mindys in the Capitol!

Comment by anon Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 9:09 am
Senate-Mindy Weir from Sen. Manar’s office. Even though she hasn’t been here long, she has done an incredible job staffing a legislator who is pulled in many different directions and has a lot on his plate. Having Springfield and the Capitol in Manar’s district has to be an added challenge, but she handles it all with ease.

Comment by Jimmy Baseball Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 9:54 am
Senate- Jan Hohl (Senator Sullivan)has been a professional in the Senate for 16yrs. She has worked with several members of the Senate with poise and sophistication. The personalities of the Capitol can be daunting day in and day out but Jan has managed to befriend everyone she comes in contact with. She probably could do it another 16yrs if Senator Sullivan wasn’t retiring.

House- Carol Shehorn (Leader Currie) handles herself with grace every session and should be awarded everyday for her pleasant nature and willingness to listen.

Comment by Ace Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:37 am
Senate - Jan Hohl with Senator Sullivan. Tough office to find, but once you get there Jan always greets you with a smile and strikes up a conversation. She is extremely helpful, genuine, and does a great job keeping things organized. Wishing her the best in her retirement. Like Sen. Sullivan, she will be missed!

House - Judi Sierra with Rep. Hoffman and Rep. Verschoore. She is friendly, helpful, and always knows the schedules for her Reps. Always enjoyable to stop by her desk.

Comment by Fallingwater Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:40 am
I’d like to add to the nominations for Jan Hohl in Sen. Sullivan’s Office. She is an absolute joy to work with. She is smart, on top of things, and is so helpful. Her and the Senator made a great team

Comment by Miss Marie Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:46 am
Jessie Martin from Sen. Landek’s office probably doesn’t get enough credit for all his hard work. That is not an easy senator to work with, but Jessie always knows what’s going on and is on top of it. He’s a smart guy and will go far.

Comment by Gin and Politics Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:52 am
Senator Trotter’s Office–Melissa Earles. She is hard working and you know she probably has to deal with a lot of characters coming in and out of that office. But she will get you an answer fast if she doesn’t already know it.

Comment by Sith Lord Rauner Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:57 am
Jan Hohl is an easy pick for the Senate. She has been a dedicated public servant for many years and our state is better for her service. Although Sullivan’s office is hard to find, you are guaranteed to find her there with a smile on her face, ready to help you. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the legislative process and always the utmost professional. The Senate will suffer a tremendous loss if she joins Senator Sullivan in retiring this year.

My vote for the House goes to Jennifer Franklin in Representative Burke’s office. Always pleasant and very helpful.

Comment by Buckshot Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:10 am
Seante - I want to echo the sentiments about Jan Hohl. In addition to the comments about Jan being great to work with, poised, and well-organized, she does a great job with constituent services and helps ensure that anyone who has a question or complaint for Senator Sullivan gets a thoughtful and honest response. She has been an integral part of Sullivan’s team.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:14 am
Jan Hohl

Is there anyone better? Besides showing me where the bathroom was during my first days of lobbying in the senate and getting me a “few minutes” with senator Sullivan…she always has time to chat and catch up on things.

still the best

Comment by lets do this Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:24 am
Janet Hohl.
When I was just getting started a few years back Janet was always exceptionally friendly and helpful. I never even had an issue carried by her Senator, but we she always offered to look up information or refer me on to someone else. Wonderful person!

Comment by Learning the Ropes Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:59 am
Jan Hohl
To add an anecdote onto what’s already been said, she tracked me down this year on a late night at the Capitol just to make sure I brought my notes to a committee hearing the next morning on a bill Sen. Sullivan was carrying for my client when she got wind of some last minute opposition. Plus she made sure I left her desk with a mint before heading to the bar that night. She’s truly someone who gets how things work around here

Comment by COPN Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:19 pm
Senator Mulroe’s LA, Lisa Katava, is the absolute best! She always has a smile on her face and is willing to accommodate everyone who walks by. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does!

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:50 pm
Another vote for Jan Hohl, legislative assistant for Senator John Sullivan. Put simply, Jan is like bedrock in a place subject to seismic shifts of all shapes and forms– annoying lobbyists, new staff, and crazy protestors, just to name of few. She is diligent and organized, firm, yet cordial. She knows when to make a joke and when to be serious. On top of all this, she does it all with elegance and class that I fear is becoming characteristic of a bygone time. She’s been a great asset to Senator Sullivan, the Senate Democrats, and the entire Statehouse as an institution. For those reasons, and many others, I would nominate her as best legislative assistant in the Senate.

Comment by The Cecil Partee Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:29 pm
If this is not to late–

Jan Hohl, Senate LA.

An LA’s job is a tough job–they are gate keepers, counselors, stenographers, mediators and researchers to mention just a few job requirements. Jan does them all extremely well. She can be both tough and firm and thoughtful and compassionate depending on the situation.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:36 pm
Jan Hohl. Hands down a true professional and an all around great person. One of the friendly faces who serves each day in the Capitol.

Comment by Illinois Trucking Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:31 pm