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Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards

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Illinois

* The 2017 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Political Tavern goes to DH Brown’s…

Where former statehouse legends, sitting legislators, and legislative staff from both parties swap war stories over too many beers and a few bowls of popcorn. For decades Brown’s has been a rite of passage for Springfield political types. This place oozes with character and maintains a genuine dive bar feel that can only be achieved through its decades of history.

Also, this…

Dem event in the back with a Rep event in the front…at the same time. And all walks of life mingling in between.

* The 2017 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Political Restaurant goes to an establishment far outside the “sandbox,” Alexander’s Steakhouse…

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems to have become the place in the last two sessions. Good food, good, fast service

Honorable mention: Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s apartment.

* On to today’s categories…

* Best House Secretary/Admin. Assistant

* Best Senate Secretary/Admin. Assistant

Remember to keep in mind that this is about the intensity of the nominations, not the number of nominations, so make sure to fully explain your votes. And, please, nominate in both categories. Thanks.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 11:29 am

Comments

How about Mika Baugher. She seamlessly stepped in when Joann Sullivan retired. Handles all the action from members, staff, and a host of world leaders who all believe they should be first.
Hard to top.

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 11:33 am
On the House side, I recommend Rep. Bellock’s honoring late-secretary, Glori Ann “Glo” Cole Byrd. She was very diligent, always upbeat (even in her hard times), and knew how to make folks smile.

Comment by My Two Cents Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 11:34 am
For over 18 years I have come to understand the full power of the administrative assistant. Judy Dowis from her time in the House to her time in the Senate (Crotty then Link) has been able to master the art of keeping her members in line and on time as much as is humanly possible under the dome. Don’t cross her or try and boss her or you will never get your foot back in that door.

Comment by Spliff Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 11:34 am
Both categories, please.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 11:36 am
I’ll happily second the nomination of Mika in the House. She handles her “traffic cop” role with grace, dignity, kindness, and a sense of humor. A bright spot in the day!

On the Senate side, I’ve similarly appreciated the friendly, professional approach of Cindy Miller in Sam McCann’s office.

Comment by Linus Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 11:55 am
Mary Alice Sieracki has done an outstanding job holding down Sen. Haine’s office in challenging times. In good time she is one of the very best. When challenged she easily rises to the occasion.

Elizabeth Laird in Leader Durkin’s office is incredibly talented and helpful.

Comment by The Other Anonymous Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 11:57 am
House- Stephanie Miller (Bob Rita + Anne Williams LA), she works for two very different Rep’s who take up issues on very different topics. She’s educated on them all and knows all the different special interest groups, lobbyist and staff who are wanting to meet with the rep’s. She also is incredibly friendly and always has a smile on her face even when things are hectic and not going smoothly.

Senate- Connor McDermott (Senator Hastings LA), I could imagine working for Senator Hastings would be very difficult because he is full of energy and always involved on various topics. The Senator ran many complicated bills last session, and Connor being new was well educated on them, and learned how to work the process quickly and efficiently. He is another person who is very friendly and welcomes all the various people wanting to meet with the Senator, which at times can be hectic on the first floor sen dem suites.

Comment by Les Nessman Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 12:00 pm
Liz Moody (Rep Turner)
Connor McDermott (Sen. Hastings)

Hands down, these are two of the finest, nicest, and most diligent in the Capitol.

Comment by :) Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 1:24 pm
Since Mike Madigan controls everything (even space in the Governor’s head) then we should acknowledge Mika because you know…behind every powerful man is a dedicated assistant that stays calms, is trustworthy and has the personality to deal with everyone who stops by 300 or needs a meeting with the Speaker or Mapes.

As for the Senate: I have 2 assistants that I think are both deserving of the Golden Horseshoe - Mindy Weir (Sen. Manar) and Emily Ozier (Sen. Silverstein). Both assistants have shown that they can handle stressful situations (one education funding reform and the other the media) and both provide excellent constituent services- enough said! You may disagree with their bosses, but you can’t hold it against these ladies because both are extremely nice. Plus I have never {sighed} after talking to either of these ladies, which speaks volumes.

Comment by Sigh Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 2:36 pm
You really should skip the nominations the day of the third house luncheon. Way to much drinking and talking to concentrate on who we want.

Comment by Been There Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 2:39 pm
===the day of the third house luncheon===

Yeah, that was a mistake on my part. I just plum forgot about it.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 2:40 pm
Elizabeth Laird (Rep Durkin)- Calm. Collected. Helpful. Smart. You name it. Easy pick.

Connor McDermott (Sen Hastings)- Working for Senator Hastings has to be a 24/7 gig. Connor goes the extra mile and is always in an upbeat mood. For being fairly new, he’s got it down.

Comment by hmmm Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 3:11 pm
Senator McCann’s assistant

Comment by Flyer Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 4:33 pm
Mindy Weir - she worked for Manar the better part of his school funding fight and she gracefully manages a ton of people and calls and meetings, nicely and with a smile. I’m impressed w her professionalism through this.

Liz Moody - friendly and efficient.

Comment by HH is forever Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 5:28 pm
I’d like to 2nd the nominations for Mindy Weir–Sen. Manar’s assistant. Sen. Manar seems to handle policies all over the board, and Missy seems to keep on top of all these issues. I don’t know how she does it. And as demanding as her job is, she is always pleasant to work with. She’s definitely earned a horseshoe.

Comment by Miss Marie Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 5:38 pm
Judy Dowis is one of my favorite people in the Senate. She’s on top of it and her members. I hope she wins

Comment by Gin and politics Thursday, Dec 7, 17 @ 5:41 pm
For the Senate, I nominate Mindy Weir. She is always pleasant to work with and keeps busy assisting one of the busiest Senators in the capitol. She is always knowledgeable about legislation the Senator is working on.

For the House, I second Mika. Not an easy job to do but she does it with professionalism and kindness.

Comment by Mocking Jay Friday, Dec 8, 17 @ 8:28 am
Connor McDermott: He is a solid guy who is assigned an energetic and extremely busy Senator. I’m sure every day is an adventure for him (especially with all the different policy issues Hastings is involved with). Connor always has a smile, a good attitude and professional demeanor no matter what the day has thrown at him. Everyone who knows him - has something positive to say. For this being his first year in the Senate, he has taken the initiative to learn how this place works. I don’t know how he has already mastered keeping Hastings on schedule during busy session days…

Comment by fan Friday, Dec 8, 17 @ 12:35 pm