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Good luck, Eleni!

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Illinois

* I long ago lost count of the number of times that the House Republicans won the news media cycle here. Agree with them or not, you absolutely cannot deny that they’ve been amazingly adept over the years at convincing reporters to run with their spin. It’s been quite something to watch. And the person in charge of the HGOP comms operation for most of that time has been Eleni Demertzis. Eleni informed staff today that she is leaving for another job. Culloton + Bauer Luce is fortunate to get her and I wish her nothing but the best…

I wanted to let you all know that my last day on staff will be November 30. I’ll be starting the next chapter as Vice President at Culloton + Bauer Luce, a boutique public affairs firm specializing in corporate reputation, issues management and crisis communications.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – The HGOP has the best communications team in state government. Everyone brings their own talents to the table, but the reason why we are the best is because we always work as a team to get things done. We collaborate on ideas, we pinch-hit for each other no matter what the task is, we are always ready for the fight and we have always been in it together.

Thank you to each and every one of you for the role you play in the HGOP caucus, because it wouldn’t be possible without your contribution.

It’s been a wild ride… Keep having fun!

-Eleni

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 9:44 am

Comments

I wish her well

Comment by Not again Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 9:46 am
Very talented and one who understands the goal of the exercise far better than many who think they understand Comms.

A huge get for Culloton + Bauer Luce, she will shine doing her thing and making even more of a name for herself.

Congrats, and best wishes.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 9:50 am
Huge loss for HGOP.
She is top shelf.

Best of luck Eleni.

Comment by Inverted Pyramid Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 9:51 am
I had no idea Wally’s was a Culloton + Bauer Luce client.
Good for Eleni.
Will miss her.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 9:51 am
Good luck Eleni.
Also, she’s a force at Saputo’s.
https://twitter.com/elenid17/status/1592339314859741184

Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 10:01 am
I’m constantly amazed by the willingness of the so-called liberal media to run with GOP spin.
I’m not familiar with Eleni at all, but Illinois reporters have been carrying Republican water beyond the House GOP.

Comment by Curious citizen Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 10:10 am
lol reporters being bad at their jobs is easier to take advantage of when you don’t have to actually produce any results.

Comment by plz no Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 10:16 am
=== easier to take advantage of===

Way to dismiss. Eleni is talented, and will be missed.

Comment by Rogo Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 10:27 am
Good luck, Eleni!

Comment by Abdon Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:10 am
Talent on both sides of the aisle often find a home for their skills in the private sector. I wish Ms. Demertzis the best. She’s long deserved a better employer.

Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 12:19 pm
Often much harder and takes sharper skills to do comms in the minority so congrats and best wishes to Eleni

Comment by west wing Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 12:35 pm
First, Eleni is lovely and talented and she will be an amazing asset to clients.

Having done comms for both a minority and majority, this statement is one of the most ludicrous things I’ve ever seen.

== Often much harder and takes sharper skills to do comms in the minority so congrats and best wishes to Eleni==

At its most essential, media is drawn to conflict. Any conflict - perceived or real - takes precedence over anything else. It’s easy to do a D vs R story, and in Illinois it’s so easy to take the R side of that equation because you can say whatever you want without being held accountable. When has anyone fact checked some of the wild stuff Durkin says? Remember when he stood up with a racist in June? Remember how he’s spreading proven lies about the SAFE-T act? Remember how he cozied up to Ken Griffin?

Probably not because the fact is, a super minority leader isn’t interesting to press, except to the extent that he can throw bombs at those who actually have power. And throwing bombs is the easiest job in politics.

Comment by Fact check Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 1:36 pm
^^ Eleni never worked with Lucci

Comment by Not Again Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 4:14 pm
===Remember when he (Durkin) stood up…===

… to the vile protesters?

I do.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 4:16 pm