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Question of the day - Annual awards

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Illinois

I’m thinking we should do an end of the year award thingy.

Believe it or not, I don’t want to make it snarky or negative. And I’d like to make this an annual thing, so the categories have to be broad. I’ll have certificates made up and somehow present them to the winners.

So, for instance, “Most independent state legislator” might be a category, or “Most effective rank and file state legislator” could also be an idea. “Least partisan US Congressman” could be something to ponder.

What I’d like you to do today is start brainstorming on categories. No snark. No negativity. Put some thought into it. We’ll start the voting next week.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:04 am

Comments

Best blog commenter

Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:08 am
To my last post, I vote for Bill as best blog poster, followed closely by Demgrrl

Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:09 am
nice idea, Rich.

How about in honor of all their time in Springfield and away from home:

- Best commitment to family while in Springfield

Did someone send Abe Lincoln gifts home every week? Did someone make a 3-hour commute each night, instead of staying in Springfield, just to kiss his daughter goodnight?

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:11 am
I think it’s appropriate to recognize the politician who has taken the biggest risk on a matter of principle.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:12 am
No voting until it’s started, please.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:13 am
Longest Floor speech?

The honorary “Bill Black Speech” award? - awarded to the best impression of a bill black speech.

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:14 am
Best attendance of any legislator. Who attended al those “special” sessions anyway?

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:14 am
I like Best Attendance.

We could also do a Worst Attendance, but that might be too negative.

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:14 am
I think there should be an award for the Illinois politician who takes a risk to support a social justice issue on a tough issue. The issue can be tough because it gets little media attention or b/c there are more negatives associated with doing the right thing than positives. For example, taking a stand for social justice runs against popular sentiment or will antagonize a major interest group.

A related award might go for taking a stand in favor of civil liberties.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:15 am
How about an award for a legislator who makes a courageous stand against an executive (POTUS, gov or mayor) who takes power not authorized or abuses authorized powers?

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:17 am
Best Dressed…

Most entertaining comment from the floor…

Comment by OneMan Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:17 am
How about an award for someone who has done the most to level the playing field for independent and minor party candidates to participate in elections?

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:18 am
Best Public Service Award

- Which politician best empitomizes public service (i.e. sincerely helping politicians, lack of corruption, being there, etc.). This may be a politician that doesn’t necessarily get a lot of newspaper time, but is just working behind the scenes and getting stuff done.

May be a category for state, county and local.

In addition, there may be similar categories for non-politicians (i.e. Village Manager, State Department Head, County Executive, etc).

Comment by Trafficmatt Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:21 am
Best hair in satte politics…

worst dressed politician….

Best/worst public speaker….

Best at answering press questions….

most ridiculous state political item of the year….

the list goes on….

Comment by pickles!! Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:22 am
Positivity, please.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:25 am
How about the most ethical, little known, unrecognized politician/person who should run for governor but never will.

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:28 am
Best Constituent Services - it’s not all about face time in Springfield or the media, you know.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:37 am
An award for the legislator and mayor (minus Four Tops and mayor of Chicago) who get the most mentions in the news according to Google News search?

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:39 am
Best/worst politician, statewide– This would have nothing to do with policy, would be completely what an elected did that was a smart political move or really dumb one. I think we all know who will win the worst.

Comment by Tom B. Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:39 am
Best agency head.

Best state agency.

Best agency PIO.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:39 am
Nyberg, post it on your own blog.

Comment by phocion Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:41 am
Most honor and integrity

Comment by Beancounter Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:43 am
How about the Gov. Bissell Award (Il. Gov. 1857–1860). It was during Gov. Bissell’s administration that the notorious canal scrip fraud was brought to light, implicating ex-Gov. Matteson and other prominent State officials.

Comment by Clean it up, man! Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:43 am
Best Print Reporter
Best Print Columnist
Best Print Editorial Board
Best Local Political Blog
Best Freshman Lawmaker
Reformer of the Year: Illinois Senate
Reformer of the Year: Illinois House
Best Website: Illinois House
Best Website: Illinois Senate
Best Website: Political Organization
Best Public Advocacy Website
Best Website: Constitutional Officer

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:47 am
How about the “can’t believe he or she said that” award?

Comment by General Assembly Watcher Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:50 am
Most passionate legislator

Local official (mayor, county board member, etc.) that has done the most for their area.

Best protector of the taxpayer dollars.

Legislator that best represents -fill in the issue-

Comment by Anon from BB Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:50 am
Most effective local mayor
Comeback politician of the year
“Geez I shouldn’t have done that” Award

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:53 am
I have two. How about an award to the sponsors of 1) legislation signed into law which will have the most positive impact on the people of Illinois, and 2) legislation that did not make it out of the GA which potentially could have the most positive impact on our State.

Comment by GA Watcher Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:53 am
Best PIO Quote of the Year

Best Policial quote

Comment by He makes Ryan Look like a Saint Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:56 am
How about “best bi partisan coalition builder”? or “best statesman”?

Comment by one of the 35 Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:57 am
Most civic minded (no this is not a joke). What I am after is an award for the legislator that did the most for community services whether it be assisting a not-for-profit or helped bring a new park to a community…..something along these lines but, and this is the biggie, without using their position to obtain government dollars. Someone who helped on the side through fund-raising efforts or whatever else it took to make things happen and did so in an “average citizen” way. A legislator who showed real heart for their community and went above and beyond their position to make Illinois a better place.

Comment by with liberty for all..... Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:03 am
I like:

Most Ethical
Best Constituent Service
Most effective at recruiting votes for an issue
Oddest fit for a district
Best at working with others (from both parties)
Best at representing the Democratic Party
Best at representing the Republican Party
Best at representing a third party

Highest percentage of signatures over the required # on a filed petition.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:07 am
Not sure what to call this, maybe best at sticking to their guns, an award for a politician that is consitent in holding to whatever principal or position they articualted during the elction after the election is over.

Also something like the century award on both sides of a bill, for receiveing 100 or more vogtes in supoport of, and another award for bills that recieve 100 or more against.

A Grass roots award for the canidate that is most accessible.

And a Mulligan award for the canidate who takes a different positoins, trying to get a dovover on an issue by going in the opposite direction they had previously identified.

Comment by Ghost Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:08 am
These all refer to members of the Springfield legislature (House or Senate, or separate categories for each):

Smartest
Funniest
Best Leader
Best Team Player
Gutsiest
Just Plain Nicest
Best Dressed
Most Eloquent
Hardest Working
Hunkiest / Angelina Joliest
Rising Star

It would be interesting to have a category for Best Underpaid Staffer, though that might break the code of silence. But you could take the votes and then ask the staffer in advance whether he / she would like the name to be made public. It could be a little honor on the QT.

Comment by ZC Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:10 am
Best political Bar in Springfield (R.I.P Sam’s)
Best member of leadership (minus the 4 leaders and the top)
Best place to eat lunch on a session day
Best painting/statue in the Capitol
Best place to hang your coat in the Capitol
Best place to have a smoke around the Capitol
The best legislator at keeping their word.

Comment by Lake Tom Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:10 am
The Promisekeeper, awarded to the elected official who best fulfills his or her campaign promises. We’re about to be inundated with campaign promises for the ‘08 cycle — it would be a bright spot.

Comment by Way South of the Border Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:15 am
Perhaps we can recognize the legislator who sends ot the most thank you notes, get well cards, certificates and other really wonderful and positive stuff that people who visit this blog really want to know.

Comment by Golly Gee Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:18 am
How about an award for the politian who took a principled stand against legislation that would have hurt the average Illinoisan and succeeded in killing it? Not sure what you would call that? Best example of saying no?

Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:27 am
Borrowing from the wide world of sports. . .
Rookie Legislator of the Year
Most Valuable Politician (MVP)
Coach of the Year–who is the Lobbyist of the Year
Home Run Champ–Sponsor of Best Law passed this year
Gold Glove–Who best saved the public from bad legislation?
also. . .
Most Entertaining Story of year
Blogger of the Year
JFE

Comment by Jake From Elwood Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:32 am
Most outrageous statement by a politician.

Comment by Cal Skinner Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:41 am
Best year for a Constitutional office holder.

Comment by (618) Democrat Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 12:13 pm
Some annual categories:

Best innovation in state government.

Best unheralded policy enacted.

Best honorary resolution in the legislature.

Most productive legislator.

Most informative print journalist.

Most informative on-line source.

Best constituent response from a pol.

Best constituent service from a pol.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 12:45 pm
Absolutely have to have some journalist awards. Good political and government reporting is rare enough that it desperately needs to be recognized and promoted.

Comment by Angry Chicagoan Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 12:54 pm
Most bi partisan rank and file Senator, Rep.

Comment by Moderate REpub Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:42 pm
How about sponsor of the most needed legislation that never received a floor vote.

Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:14 pm
Best and worse sound bite by a member of the Governor’s Press team.

Best media source for breaking political news coverage

Best and worse sound bite by the Governor

Highest frequent flier miles award for state directors or Governor staff (okay, slightly negative, but would be very interesting)

Carlos Mencia “Deet Duh Dee” Award for the most insane action taken by a state official

Comment by DC Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:31 pm
I would have to agree with Lake Tom’s choices. But, I would add Best political cartoonist - I know we can’t vote yet, but mine would go to Chris Britt!

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:33 pm
How about which lobbyist has the best parties?

or the Curve Inn Award to the legislator/lobster you’d most likely be with when making bad decisions after midnight?

Comment by Sir Robert Onion Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:46 pm
Best e-mail by an appointed officail

Comment by FG Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:06 pm
Board and Commissions with enough members to have a quorum

Comment by DC Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:09 pm
Oops that would be the Bill Brady Award for Active Boards and Commissions

Comment by DC Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:10 pm
George P. Shadid Award, this would be for the legislator/police commissioner/agency head who has “done the most” for Illinois Children. This could include and is not limited to:
Health care
Juvenille offender rights
Community Service funding
Park Clean ups

Comment by It's Me Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:43 pm
How about recognizing the most effective legislative committee(s)? Some committees do a great job of trying to shape legislation in a bipartisan way — it might be fun to recognize a whole group for their collective work.

It might also be good to recognize the best staffers — each caucus and the governor’s office have dedicated people working hard, often trying to keep the trains running while their principals disagree.

Comment by Gus Frerotte's Clipboard Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:31 pm
How about the best lobbyist office to flop at overnight after you’ve tied on a good one and can’t drive home.

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:34 pm
Plus I agree with having a best staffer award. Let’s not forget the people who keep the capitol running, in spite of the politicians’ effort to shut it down - janitors, any support staff, pages, committee clerks. etc.

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:37 pm
Best Staffer is a good one

Comment by Lotta Liaison Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:51 pm
“Most independent state legislator”
I thought you didn’t want this to be snarky. He/she that gets this award is going to made fun of big time by his friends. Are you trying to ruin careers here?

Comment by Whoa man Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 6:35 pm
How about an award for the person who makes the least hateful comments on this blog?

Comment by Patriot Saturday, Dec 8, 07 @ 6:24 am
What about both state legislator and member of the IL Congressional delegation that has done the most for the working people of Illinois.

Comment by kj Saturday, Dec 8, 07 @ 1:10 pm
Most overrated & underrated lobbying/political organization
Best/Worst Rathskeller menu items
Best/worst new law

Comment by Anon Monday, Dec 10, 07 @ 11:10 am
Paul Simon Award to the House or Senate member that best reflects the high standards always associated with Simon. Also have an award for someone who does the work to get things accomplished and not just for the glory. This person would not be “best dressed” or gifted speaker, and the like, just someone who everyone knows will always complete the task. Name it after someone who was known for this sort of thing. Rich, assign a name to this award that carries the respect of everyone for this sort of thing.

Comment by Moline Maleman Monday, Dec 10, 07 @ 11:46 am