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* The 2021 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Senate Democratic Non-Campaign Staffer goes to Mary Hanahan…
I second the nomination of Mary Hanahan on the Senate Dem staff for her tireless work on Illinois’ new climate law. There were many cooks in and out of the kitchen at various points, tensions were high, and drafting timelines ridiculously short for multiple iterations of the nearly 1,000 page bill. And with all that, she always seemed pleasant, accessible, and responsive. Thanks Mary and congratulations on a product Illinois should be proud of for years to come.
She’s tops.
* The 2021 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best House Democratic Non-Campaign Staffer goes to Erik Lowder…
He’s become the go-to senior analyst on the House side, and understands the process better than just about anybody in the building. Add to that, he’s trained just about every younger Speaker’s staffer worth their salt. Plus, you couldn’t find a nicer guy.
The world needs more mentors.
* On to today’s categories…
* Best Senate Republican Non-Campaign Staffer
* Best House Republican Non-Campaign Staffer
Please explain your comments and nominate in both categories if at all possible. Thank you!
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 12:59 pm
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Whitney Barnes is the best addition to the SGOP since new leadership took over in January. She has brought a renewed focus on true communications work that the Senate Comms staff didn’t have the bench for. Patty Schuh did a great job training this rising star!
Matt Harbor for the HGOP. He is a true expert in local government issues and has the best bipartisan approach I have seen around this capital in the recent few years. He gets it!
Comment by Another Vote Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 2:25 pm
Whitney Barnes for the Senate. She has made the SGOP relevant with the media and in a caucus of 18 that isn’t easy. She is a delightful at member management and honestly just a treat to talk to when you get the chance. I think maybe my favorite skill set of hers in this crazy business is being a decent and trustworthy person who advocates for the cause in an honest and straightforward way. 10/10 stars
Joe Sculley for the House. When you see how prepared the HGOP is with nearly everything budget you can look to Sculley. He is an excellent partner with Demmer and because of their relationship and oversight the HGOP can land plenty of budget punches when the rest of the world is wondering what GOMB is doing. A true artist at his craft who has an attention for detail that benefits the HGOP in so many ways. Also super fun.
Comment by Everyday I'm Trusselin Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 2:31 pm
For the Senate, Whitney Barnes. Not only does she represent the Caucus and their message with the media well, she handles the issues presented to staff with a grace and compassion that can be lacking in this environment. Her stewardship of the communications shop continues to be top notch.
Comment by a revelator Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 2:55 pm
Senate - Josh Horeled is a consummate professional and a kind individual. Always a pleasure to work with.
Comment by Tis the Season Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 3:00 pm
Senate GOP - Whitney Barnes. She was able to turn around what some would call a non existent press operation and finally get the SR’s some positive press.. even though they’re insignificant. All the press coverage they’ve gotten is a testament to her work ethic.
House GOP - Agree w Sculley’s nomination. He is the budget mastermind who works behind the scenes in ensuring the caucus is ready to throw its factual punches about out of balance dem budgets.
Comment by Sharon Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 3:04 pm
Senate GOP - No question it’s Whitney Barnes. She came into a basically gutted comms operation and brought it back to life. I can say with full confidence that every piece of good press that Leader McConchie has gotten this year has been because of Whitney.
Comment by certain Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 3:09 pm
House: Rachel Bold was an incredible pick up from the Senate for the House GOP. She brought incredible knowledge and relationships with her and has really been able to shine in her new role.
Senate: Rachel Gordon the Senate social media manager that has completely transformed the Senate’s online strategy this year. She has brought a professionalism and content creation that is far above anything they have seen before. She is a young talent to watch.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 3:33 pm
Senate GOP - Whitney Barnes for every reason listed above. She’s been incredibly hands on and active in managing the media presence for leadership and it shows. Very well done.
House GOP - Nathan Mansfield. An incredibly knowledgeable analyst who works quietly, quickly and diligently. Representative Bennett had a constituent who proposed legislation that would’ve drawn a fight from ABATE and others. Nathan realized the potential issue before it could become a problem and helped unite the stakeholders along with Representative Bennett resulting in a good piece of legislation becoming law this year.
Comment by SKI Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 4:00 pm
Senate Republicans: Jenna Mitchell. Her intellect and drive has guided her to becoming the first female CoS for that Caucus. She has a bright future ahead for herself and will be a positive difference for that Caucus.
House Republicans: Mike Stieren. He went beyond the call to manage his members during the energy bill debate. He is a strong resource for members on a number of issues, and deserves a lot of credit. The House Republicans are lucky to have someone like him on staff.
Comment by Yeah No Yeah Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 4:04 pm
For SGOP, Josh Horeled stepped up to the plate and has done an amazing job and Bill Schneider knows more about criminal law than anyone. Both provide great advice to the caucus.
For HGOP, Derek Persico does a great job.
Comment by JJ Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 4:16 pm
Senate Republicans: Noah Finley is a consummate professional who really knows his policy areas. He makes a point of reaching out to stakeholders and understanding the issues to ensure a complete analysis for his members. He seems to work well with everyone–staff, legislators, and interest groups on both sides of the aisle.
House Republicans: Nathan Mansfield flies under the radar but he is thorough and knowledgeable. The story above is a perfect example of how Nathan works.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 4:19 pm
SGOP: I would add to the chorus nominating Whitney Barnes. There’s often two approaches to handling the media and Whitney’s has always been kind & approachable, not difficult and hostile. She’s been in the business long enough on the official and political side to understand the task at hand and how to solve it. Members love her, media get along with her, and behind the scenes she’s the ultimate pro, treating everyone with the respect they deserve. Straightforward and hardworking, she is what every caucus should want in a Press Sec.
HGOP: Sculley can impressively boil down budgets for the common man to understand, he’s dedicated and leads by example. An asset for the HGOP to hold onto.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 4:27 pm
SGOP - Not even a question Whitney Barnes. Wow the Senate R’s were given a gift when she joined the team. With only 18 member, she’s somehow managed to turn around their insignificant position and make them heard. Kudos to her - they are lucky to have her!
HGOP - Sculley for sure, budget mastermind and one of House R’s biggest assets.
Comment by Sharon Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 4:52 pm
SGOP- Josh Horeled is a skilled and crafty attorney who understands his issue areas in a holistic manner. The Senate Republicans elevated him to the role of chief legal earlier this year, and for good reasons.
HGOP- Dave Krahn is an extremely capable administrator with a high level of integrity, a breath of fresh air.
Comment by Mr. Suburbs Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 5:45 pm
SGOP: Not that Whitney really needs another nomination, but I think the quantity and strength of the nominations she’s received really speak to her character. While it’s true that she’s smart, hard working and respected by members of the caucus and the media, it’s how she interacts with the people around her that makes her a standout to me. Simply put, Whitney is a good person who treats everyone around her with respect and kindness - something that is sadly becoming increasingly rare in this arena.
Honorable mention goes to Justin Sinner. Justin is knowledgeable, hard working and well respected by members and fellow staff. Justin has quietly worked behind the scenes for years supporting the efforts of the caucus and really hasn’t gotten the recognition he deserves.
HGOP: Durkin knows how to put together a great team and bring out the best in them, so picking just one standout is pretty tough, but this has to go to Joe Sculley. That guy knows it all and is a huge asset to the caucus.
Comment by Merry & Bright Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 5:50 pm
House GOP ~ Eleni Demertzis somehow creates cohesion in a caucus of polar opposites. She has outlasted the longest-serving Speaker in the country and led Durkin through to become the most experienced leader in the capitol. She’s direct but fair and her no BS attitude helps give her members confidence. If there were more GOP staffers like her around the rotunda IL politics would look a lot different.
Justin Sinner for the Senate is one of the most informed and reliable staffers in the state. If he is asked a question he either knows or knows exactly how to find out and does so immediately. He is a huge asset to their caucus.
Senate GOP~ Rachel Gordan the social media director is also someone who the senators rely on and trust. She has made a big difference in softening up and organizing the Senate GOPs messaging on social media. It is one area where they are ahead of the other caucuses IMO.
Comment by Steel Door Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 11:36 pm
You rarely see Leader Durkin without Mike Mahoney and for good reason. He brought a more DC style strategic element to the caucus that you don’t always see in the IL GOP. He is obviously a great counsel to the Leader considering their last successful campaign wins and more consistent messaging this year. He is a good person to have around in a DEM Midterm year.
Agree on Barnes. She was impressive at the Chamber when no one was really paying attention and has really made an impact this year. People still talk about McConchie’s Sun Times op ed the day after the insurrection and, looking back, what incredible foresight they had getting that done. She’s funny and charismatic and not what you would expect from a GOP spokes.
Comment by Grand Old Partier Tuesday, Dec 14, 21 @ 12:31 am
== @Steel Door ==
“One area where they are ahead of the other caucuses”
There’s no way that an objective observer can say that the SGOP has a better social media presence than the SDEM.
Comment by Osborne Smith III Tuesday, Dec 14, 21 @ 8:45 am