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* None of the lobbyist nomination tallies were even close this year. The 2021 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Contract Lobbyist goes to Bukola Bello…
Bukola got the midwife bill passed after years of work, and made what other contract lobbyists weren’t able to get make happen, possible. She’s kind, determined, dependable and a joy to be around. She has a vast array of relationships across the aisle and both chambers. She works hard for her clients, no matter their budget.
Honorable mentions go to Liz Brown-Reeves and Dave Sullivan.
* The 2021 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best In-House Lobbyist goes to Adrienne Alexander…
(I)n the past session she helped win a badly needed wage increase for direct-service personnel who serve people with developmental disabilities in community agencies, successfully navigated both criminal justice reform and the budget, and did all that while also winning the biggest investment in a decade in public mental health services in the City of Chicago budget, staying on top of Cook County issues, and proving instrumental in assisting with political and legislative relations adjacent to organizing new members such as at the Niles and Oak Lawn libraries and the Art Institute of Chicago. She did all that by being brilliant, trusted and respected, and a tireless worker who’s always on. Those qualities enabled her to tackle the sizable challenges of the past year of lobbying virtually, which often meant monitoring hearings via Zoom and talking to legislators and staff by phone and text. Finally, while many people are familiar with Dri’s authoritative Twitter persona, those lucky enough to know her IRL respect her devotion to her family and friends, her faith and her union. Adrienne not only deserves all the awards she is an inspiration.
Honorable mention to Litesa Wallace.
* The 2021 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist goes to Khadine Bennett…
(A)n incredibly hard, focused worker. She works on a range of issues and doesn’t stop until the bills cross the finish line. One of the big bills she got done this session was the PNA repeal bill that didn’t make it over the finish line until veto. She never gave up and kept working it until the vote, including on the sex ed bill. She works well with opposition and allies alike.
Honorable mentions to Randy Witter and Mike Ziri.
* The 2021 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Legislative Liaison goes to Laura Vaught…
I don’t wish working at IDPH during a pandemic on anyone, and having to be the main point person with legislators during that time is basically impossible, but Laura has handled it wonderfully. She’s pleasant to work with and is somehow responsive even in the midst of the craziness.
Honorable mention to Ashley Wright.
* The 2021 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Statewide Staffer goes to HW Devlin…
Always helpful and kind to everybody. Very responsive and seems to really care about public service. SOS will be going through a change in the near future and I bet it will be a smooth transition because of staffers like HW who will make sure we don’t miss a beat and keep SOS heading in the right direction.
Honorable mention to Sydney Holman.
* OK, on to today’s final categories…
Lifetime Achievement
Best CapitolFax.com Commenter
Make sure to nominate in both categories. Also, make sure to explain your nominations. Lifetime Achievement is open to anyone connected to state government and politics. Thanks!
And keep in mind that I’m shutting things down at 4:30 today for the holidays. So, let’s get on it.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 11:34 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Greg Harris for lifetime achievement, for his work in informing us all of the world’s most ridiculous holidays.
For CapFax commenter, I’m going with Lester Holt’s Mustache, because that’s an S-Tier name.
Comment by PeterParker Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 11:44 am
Greg Harris thoroughly deserves this award. He’ll be remembered publicly more for his advocacy work on gay rights, probably, than any other single achievement, but the list of accomplishment is very long. I remember him talking once about how when he was first lobbying for civil unions and then gay marriage, he made a point to meet with and poll every member of the General Assembly. One downstate Republican told him, “I dislike everything this bill stands for. But it’s a question of when, not if.” They parted on that note agreeing that if it would be helpful, they could attend each other’s political fundraisers, to help juice up their supporters’ anger and each raise more cash, something like: “Behold the homosexual.” -How- many stories could Greg Harris tell, from his time on the front lines. Well that’s his reward, all those experiences for a political career (thus far) well lived. Congrats and thanks Greg for all your hard work, it’s been a privilege to be your constituent.
He’s won before and will win again but kind of in the same ballpark, I’m continually impressed by Oswego Willy’s ability to be kind of Greg-Harris-like in that whether you agree or disagree with his takes he’s always so clearly stating his position and being as respectful as can be warranted to his counterparts, he just kind of always commands respect. We’re losing a big one with Greg but I hope Oswego Willy is only gonna keep trucking.
Comment by ZC Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 11:49 am
Greg Harris Lifetime - Not even close, no explanation required among CapFax readers.
Wordslinger Commenter - Miss that voice on the blog; his legacy still merits recognition.
Comment by OneOpinion Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 11:51 am
Greg Harris for lifetime achievement award. Wordslinger- gone but never forgotten not only for his wise, on target comments, but he also never OVER commented. He could knock you out with short jabs.
Comment by Sayitaintso Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:08 pm
Point of Order, Rich. I thought the Commenter award was renamed the Wordslinger Award.
Comment by ChrisB Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:09 pm
Lifetime achievement - Michael Madigan. Seriously, has any legislator had such a defining, lasting impact on state politics as the former speaker?
Commenter - Ron Burgundy quite often hits the nail on the head.
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:15 pm
Greg Harris for Lifetime Achievement — groundbreaking, tenacious, intelligent, accessible. He’ll be missed.
While I’m always a fan of Mr. JM’s comments, I think it has to go to Oswego Willy this year, both for quality and quantity.
Comment by South of Sherman Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:28 pm
Congrats to all the winners and nominees!! Happy Holidays
Comment by Midwest Maven Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:30 pm
Congratulations to a great group of colleagues on the lobbyist category.
Lifetime Achievement- I truly think Steve Brown– so many years of hardwork and loyalty. He is a staple when you think of Illinois politics.
Commentator - Oswego Willy- always in the know, respectful and practical
Comment by LBR Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:30 pm
Lifetime: Greg Harris, The kind of person I’d trust to raise my kid. How does one get there in the mosh pit we call the House?
Wordslinger: Amalia The person I often look for to see if she’s got something on a tricky subject — especially if we might not agree. She sticks to the point, is on point with logic and evidence, and clever more than half.
Comment by walker Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:33 pm
Lifetime achievement goes to Mike Madigan. He gets it because of his resilience and winning so long with so much opposition against him. A leader should expect the brunt of attacks from opponents, and he took heaps of it. But he wittingly or not demonstrated ancient warfare principles from Sun Tzu, like “hide in plain sight” and “don’t interfere with opponents destroying themselves.” He had almost no social media presence and didn’t scream daily, like the former president. Madigan survived brutal attacks, the harshest from Rauner, because Rauner was far worse than him and damaged himself.
The best Capitol Fax commenter goes to the entire comments section. It’s almost always hard to pick just one commenter, because many are excellent and deserve to win. This goes especially to the regulars, who contribute on a pretty much daily basis and have by far proven themselves to be important voices.
Special thanks always to Rich, for having the best and most unique politics blog in the country, and for generosity in allowing our participation.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:43 pm
Lifetime achievement has to go to Greg Harris. He’s taking a giant pile of institutional knowledge with him that will take decades to replicate. I’d also consider his leadership during the Speakership transition to be really underrated right now. There was a real threat that the caucus would turn into Lord of the Flies and he stepped up as an honest broker. That remarkable display of leadership capped a lifetime of it.
Commenter: I often find myself really appreciating walker’s perspective and insight.
Comment by vern Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:46 pm
Cmon. Lifetime award must go to MJM.. without him there would be no CapFax, and Rich would have had maybe one column to write once every 6 weeks..
Comment by NotRich Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 12:52 pm
Lifetime achievement- MJM reading the writing and stepping aside, not only as Speaker but in his Rep seat as well. Love him or hate him he spent a lifetime in the Capitol and was the velvet hammer. When our surrounding Midwest states all went red and right to work MJM kept Illinois blue. He switched a primary so a hometown hero would have a presidential primary win early in the cycle. He made an indelible impact in getting the suburbs to a purple status from the red it was 20 years ago. He handled and was part of every major decision in this state for well over 30 years. I’m sure someone has the number but how many legislators have come and gone during his tenure? He understood timing of issues based on policy but also what was best politically. How many Springfield folks still around cut their teeth in the Capitol either working for him or working against him and have successful careers for the education they received? There are flaws for sure, that will tarnish the legacy but it’s still the largest footprint in Illinois politics that anyone has ever had.
Commenter- I’d like to have a rap battle between Oswego Willy and Lucky Pierre for who captures the title. Sn/
Seriously Oswego Willy cuts through a ton of political spin that politicians try because they think folks aren’t watching or aren’t smart enough to know they’re being played. Calls it like he sees it and doesn’t hold back. Especially as members and other commenters tried to play games and spin with the events on Jan 6 and the Covid protocols.
Comment by Frank talks Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 1:09 pm
The lifetime achievement award was a tough choice, but I reflected on who stepped up to put a stop to the ethical issues we have had in Springfield.
While others looked the other way, State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, Marine and Mom, sent a letter to Mike Madigan asking him to step down and when he did not step down she declared she would run against him.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Commentator is also tough this year.
Going with OW.
He has a good sense of humor, is well prepared and thoughtful.
Comment by Back to the Future Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 1:20 pm
Lifetime achievement goes to MJM. He made many people angry but if one steps back and compares Illinois and its neighboring midwest states, we are much better off and MJM played a key role in that. He wasn’t perfect but played the politics better than anyone.
Best commenter- I nominate JS Mill. They always have good insight into a multitude of topics, but especially education. Given the current climate of anger at local governments, mobs at school boards, misguided GA mandates, CRT boogeyman, masks, vaccines and COVID, they have provided an inside look into the arena that much of our political discourse bled into this year. Besides maybe healthcare, education has been the incubator for arguments, lawsuits, and a general punching bag for any grievance against government. JS Mill’s comments are on target and not partisan or hyperbole but based in real data and what is being seen played out everyday. Appreciate the insight during these times.
Comment by P Town Cynic Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 1:38 pm
For best commenter, I nominate Candy Dogood. She’s the closest thing we have to Wordslinger, the name-sake of this award. She’s smart, caustic, funny and wise. She doesn’t comment too much, doesn’t comment too little. She has thick skin and can make an argument better than most.
For Lifetime Achievement, I’d go with Steve Brown. Leader Harris and the Batman have another year in office, but Brown left his influential post this year.
I could go on for many paragraphs, but I’ll just leave it at this: They called him Press Secretary General for good reason. Everyone else is compared to Brownie to see if they’re up to snuff.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 1:39 pm
Lifetime: Greg Harris, for good deeds done and budgets passed, all with a good sense of humor.
Wordslinger: Give it to Mister JayEm, Twitter tried to stop him but not even the banned punctuation filters on here could.
Cheers and happy holidays everyone [banned punctuation mark]
Comment by ChicagoBars Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 1:39 pm
Lifetime - MJM. Ill second everything that has been said and just add that I worked for the caucus from Oct 94 - Aug 95 and watched the GOP “Illinois Agenda” enacted. I also saw how Madigan’s focus brought Illinois Democrats back from the brink. These days its hard to imagine Republicans in control of everything but Spring 1995 they were and it was a question as to whether they could come back or not - especially with the map and deep divisions within the party.
MJM made it happen.
Wordinger award - gotta go with OW. Year after year, solid comments and insights.
Comment by low level Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 1:56 pm
Best Commenter: I would like to nominate OW. During the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic he has been steadfast and consistent with support for policies and politicians who have had the public’s best interest in heart, and so many times I have clicked have started reading comments on a post to discover I have nothing to say because OW has already called the Covidiot out. I also can’t help but think of Asiago cheese every time I see his user name.
Lifetime Achievement: Greg Harris. As he prepares to leave the General Assembly I think he can leave confident that the State and People of Illinois are in a better place because of his service and dedication to fulfilling his oath of office.
Honorable Mention: Edward Guerra Kodatt — during his time in office he only ever made one big decision and it was the right decision. Plus, I feel like as an honorable mention it has just the right amount of snark for the the readers of this blog.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 2:16 pm
Congrats to all the nominees and winners this week!
Lifetime Achievement Award: Leader Greg Harris. Great leadership and an extremely personable. He will be missed.
Commenter/Wordslinger: I think that the CapFax has an amalgam of some of the best comments, acerbic, intelligent, thoughtful and blunt. It’s a tie between Oswego Willy and Ron Burgundy ( a newer voice)
Happy Holidays everyone!
Comment by Midwest Maven Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 2:29 pm
Lifetime Achievement
As the award now has become all encompassing I’ll save my nominations for Mr. Batinick and Mr. Harris, and at an appropriate time of their departures I’ll look forward to revisiting my words to both.
The thing about being an institution in anything, once that level of achievement is reached, we take for granted how incredibly unique and extraordinary that level is.
It’s even greater than a benchmark, being an institution…it’s not just the measure of others but the measure of the place or role in an entirety, not just upon the person. It’s like next-level “next-levelness”
So many great spokesmen have worked, you go back to Culloton, Schuh, they come to mind, Patterson now, Eleni, too, just to keep the list short, because it can go on forever, but the institution, the measure to the job, not just the person, Steve Brown is not just ratified air elite, the manner of the role has been shaped by his example, and his dedicated work at trade that reminds that the role is a craft to hone and to be tested daily, that should be celebrated.
Outside, it may seem easy. But what appears to be easy takes one who works at a trade to be that good, it’s never an accident, and to be cool under so many trying days, years of dealing with press and information, relationships and battles, Brown has the scars while never finding thing wounding.
A career of teaching moments for those wanting to learn how to be the face of something without making that something himself. That sticks with me.
I add my name to the nomination of Steve Brown, the institution of what the craft and trade of service in communications in governing is and measured to be, and how his impression to that trade and craft is a goal to doing your job best and being the measure for the role going forward.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 2:29 pm
fwiw, HW is the best choice for statewide. He helped this wet-behind-the-ears cub learn the ways of the world
Lifetime - in light of Rich’s reminder that Greg will serve out next year, I’m going with MJM. And I think Frank Talks pretty summed up better than I could why he should get it.
Commenter: Candy Dogood. Is she new-ish or did I just start noticing? Whatever the case, her comments are sharp, sometimes biting, occasionally verbose, but always in service to her point. Well done.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 2:38 pm
Thank to those who have nominated me. I sincerely appreciate the very kind words, this place Rich created has made interaction and smart dialog amongst some of the smartest, well-placed, highly respected people inside or outside government unmatched anywhere and I’ve learned so much from so many great people willing to share and teach.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, you are all aces, thank you Rich, as always. Forever grateful, Sam/Frank.
Now…
Best CapitolFax.com Commenter
The past couple years, for me, this commenter has had my attention, and by no fault of their own, circumstances have put them in that category of tops, but, as I said, circumstances .
This year, as more normalcy found its way back, more things turning towards before times, I am reminded of Wordslinger and his way. The reason Wordslinger, for me, was unmatched included the great narrative way he could discuss so many things “of the day” and put together some incredible (I suggest to read Wordslinger “randomly” about any subject) paragraphs and thoughtful words to crystallize, while at the very same time pinpointing the critical thing many, me included, would miss…
What - Candy Dogood - has done is bring back some of what we are missing with Wordslinger in the many incredible instances - CD - has some this year. It’s as though both the style and substance is found again in these nuggets that have been fewer since Wordslinger’s passing.
The comments of - Candy Dogood - are the much needed reminder to why Wordslinger is unmatched, but in a way that keeps the tradition of what I know I’d like to see Wordslinger’s memory be every day,.. and - CD - be unique and special in their own way. This is the year for this. It’s a melting of timing and substance that makes this award what it is.
I nominate - Candy Dogood - and I hope reading more and more from - CD - to continue my own learning from them as I learn from everyone, as Wordslinger left us to do.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 2:47 pm
Lifetime Award. Madigan sets the mark. No real contest. Harris & Brown are good HMs, but keep in mind. They are there because of choice #1.
Commenter goes Oswego Willy. Great work ethic. Looking forward to radio network ahead.
Comment by ANNON'IN Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 2:51 pm
Rich,had I been better prepared for today I would have had some thoughtful words to nominating Candy Dogwood. All I can say is “I concur.”
She is always thoughtful, succinct and reasoned in her comments. This site is responsible for bringing out the very best among those of us who are not only political junkies but are also individuals who have a unique ability to say what others, like me, are only thinking. She fits well in that category and should be recognized.
Happy holidays to you, Rich, and all those other anonymous friends on this site.
Comment by illini Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 2:55 pm
I think lifetime achievement should go to Steve Brown. He was certainly frustrating and a pain to journalists trying to genuinely report the news. But, there is no denying his lifetime of achievement. He was the link between the policies and the people during the longest reigning statehouse leadership in history. He had an incredible impact on state government and deserves recognition.
Comment by Presser Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 3:21 pm
Lifetime Achievement - I was torn between Greg Harris and Mike Madigan, but I have to go with Madigan. For good or ill, love him or hate him, his impact on the State of Illinois cannot be gainsaid.
Commenter: Another tough one, there are so many smart, engaged people who comment here. But my vote is going to JS Mill. When there is any issue involving the schools (and lord knows with COVID this has been huge), JS Mill with “in the trenches” knowledge is here to educate US. I’ve truly appreciated learning from these comments.
Comment by JoanP Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 3:41 pm
Mike Madigan…for the Velvet…and the Hammer.
Candy Dogood does it so… good.
Comment by Dotnonymous Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 4:04 pm
Brown and Dogood are solid choices.
Merry Christmas Rich. And thanks to Donald Trump for allowing me to wish each and every Cap Fax commenter a Merry Christmas. You’re all aces in my book.
See you next year.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 4:11 pm
I think one only needs to look in the comments in today’s “Oppo Dump” post to see that Candy Dogood deserves the award this year for best commenter. She’s engaging, thought provoking, and always has a little gem to throw in at the end to make you think.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 4:26 pm
(Tips hat, and nods, to - ANNON’IN - )
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 17, 21 @ 4:45 pm