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* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Association/Union Leader goes to Personal PAC’s Terry Cosgrove…
He’s one of those organizers who makes difficult wins seem inevitable in retrospect. Even as recently as a few years ago, a sizable number of Democratic legislators were wary of any expansions of abortion rights, including the House Speaker. Now the anti-abortion wing of the Democratic party has dwindled without sacrificing any of their majority, and Illinois is a beacon of abortion rights in the Midwest. He helped build a movement and a state that’s ready for the post-Roe world.
Runner-up is Local 150’s Jim Sweeney with a special shoutout to the IMA’s Mark Denzler, who was elected Speaker of the Third House this week and received a strong nomination yesterday.
* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Lifetime Achievement was a no-brainer. Secretary of State Jesse White…
For lifetime achievement, who else could it be but Jesse White? There will be people more qualified than I to talk about his record as Secretary of State, so I’ll instead dwell on his political accomplishments. He was an old-school city politician, some might even say a ward heeler. But through hard work, competent governing, and boundless charm, he appealed across party lines like maybe no other politician in the country. I can’t tell you how many doors I’ve knocked on where a voter said “I will never vote for Democrats,” and then remembered, “Oh except for Jesse White of course.” His popularity is worthy not just of praise, but academic study. Political scientists should be flocking to red Illinois counties to see how he did it. I’ve often wondered if anyone, up to and including Barack Obama, could beat Jesse White in an Illinois election. It’s laughably insufficient to say “they don’t make em like Jesse White anymore,” but they really don’t make em like Jesse White anymore.
I think only one other person received a nomination in this category (Cosgrove).
Congratulations!
* On to our final categories…
The Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.com Commenter.
As always, do your best to nominate in both categories and make sure to explain your answers. Also, keep in mind that these awards are for actions this year, not previous years. Thanks!
* One more thing: I want to thank you again for your generosity this year. LSSI sent me a box of tasty cookies today, and I wish I could share them with everyone who helped buy presents for foster kids. As Oprah might say, “You get a cookie! You get a cookie! You get a cookie!”
Seriously, thanks. We’ve so far raised $45,760. I truly do have the best job in Illinois.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 9:29 am
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Best Cap Fax commenter goes to Ron Burgundy. Great sense of humor, and packing a lot of punch in just a few words.
Honorable mention to Oswego Willy, who is practically inseparable from the blog and makes great commentary routinely.
Great job by Isabel and Rich, and great thanks to having us on the blog.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 9:41 am
Have to go with Oswego Willy. Provides great insight into what a “mainstream” Republican thinks of the today’s GOP and what it will take to make the GOP more than canon fodder for the Dems every four years.
Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 9:56 am
I’m going for Lucky Pierre. he brings a different, if sometimes redundant message to CapFax. usually civil when he is being ridiculed. Civil discourse needs to be an important part of political differences.
Comment by Blue Dog Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 9:57 am
There are two categories, folks. Please nominate in both.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 10:08 am
Best Cap Fax commenter- MrJM. Incredibly witty and incisive, and he really gets to the heart of the matter. While his volume may not be the highest he is consistent and entertaining.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 10:08 am
well deserved Terry Cosgrove!
Comment by Shytown Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 10:32 am
I have to go with Oswego Willy for the Wordslinger award.
Best use of social media has to go to Elon Musk.
He has demonstrated that any fool with billions can do whatever he wants on social media.
I know, he isn’t in Illinois.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 10:34 am
Best use of social media: adding Isabel to this blog. I stay away from most other social media so it is good to have her perspective on things.
My favorite commentator is MrsJM. I know MrJM only quotes her rarely but when he does, they are great (banned punctuation). And if you have to default to MrJM as my nominee, that’s great as I love him too.
I also really like Lucky Pierre on these boards. He puts up with a lot of crazy people saying inane things to him but he still keeps coming back and trying to set them straight.
Comment by Lurker Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 10:37 am
For commenter, I’ve really enjoyed the quick wit of Roadrager lately, as demonstrated in the Canceller post this morning.
For best use of social media, I get both interesting political/government scoops and needed doses of humor from Tina Sfondeles’ Twitter account, at least while it lasts. Second place to everyone in the world other than Darren Bailey.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 10:39 am
I would echo Ron Burgundy on the best use of social media. Tina Sfondeles
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 10:49 am
Walker as best commenter. Knowledgeable, savvy and one of those voices made all the more interesting because he’s selective about when and on what to comment.
Best use of social media - Robert Peters. His posts are timely, very strategic in furthering his message, and often powerful. He can also be quite wry, making his posts often entertaining
Comment by Interested Bystander Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 10:50 am
The Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.com Commenter.
First. Unmatched. That’s - Wordslinger -‘s legacy. It’s a bar that can’t be reached. It’s a standard that ever elusive. He is a “one person I wished I had met”, he made commenting here better, he made the idea of exchanging thoughts to a better Illinois real. Missed. This award is the reminder of his great contribution to this blog and to, in reality, Illinois and Illinois governing.
My nominee is unique.
As we all look around at any type of messaging or just merely messages, to be able to convey thoughts and commentary while also in the midst of it all, that’s tough for anyone.
Some get too angry, others get too “I know”, still others get too condescending playing a passive “do you know who I am?” card when the discussion doesn’t need any of that.
The anonymity factor here, at any given time, a director, agency head, elite lobbyist, any and every type can (narrator: they do) comment here, and share thoughts, facts, “spin” to posts.
What is unique about my nominee, he is passively in sight, but actively making this place all the better with smart commentary, honest assessment, and a great generous giving of insight without taking to task what others might think is happening.
I mean, how often to do we read “walker is correct”?
Very often.
I nominate - walker - for The Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.com Commenter.
If you are new to the program, you are unaware of - walker -‘s “day job”, and while sharing that insight, or giving good commentary, you’d never know we all are getting some seriously good stuff from the literal inside… passively active in adding and making the comments here better, in the tradition of - Wordslinger -, and in the best traditions of this blog and comment section.
While I’d be terribly remiss in not recognizing- Norseman -, who’s insight and historical knowledge and “finger on the thoughts” commentary are musts for me, it’s - walker - for me this year.
I nominate - walker - and hope others do too as this year’s contributions have made it better here with real insight in a campaign year, and string governing perspective in a hugely productive legislative session.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 11:34 am
Best Use of Social Media
You think of past winners. You think of John Amdor and his continued use of historical context (who could do easily win this every year, frankly) or Hannah Meisel and her charts and graphs, the reality is there’s a whole package deal to social media. Educate me, entertain me, make finding your social media important to me in things Illinois,
You never really appreciate things until they’re gone, so when they are back, you should be overly grateful for that gift again.
I nominate Tina Sfondeles for Best Use of Social Media
It’s not that the use has gotten better or worse or any measure of the outstanding Tina Sfondeles does in social media, but it’s a nod and a ln acknowledgement that I’m so glad she’s back, and we get to see all the great local work she does and others do that her feed has. Without missing a beat, her beat’s attention and the work done by her, I know I’m better off having her around.
I nominate Tina Sfondeles for Best Use of Social Media becsuse knowing what we were missing is the reminder her social media is doing by being around again, and done in all the best traditions of this award and past award winners.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 11:44 am
Finally, this alone.
First, Isabel, the work you’ve done here, it’s noticed daily, it’s noticed multiple times… daily.
How you go about your business and making this place stronger, it’s noticed, and it’s been impressive. Thank you.
Rich, thank you for having the place for Illinois politics where those serious to our state can find the serious, while also making it fun, interesting, probing, and thoughtful. You’ve built a blog but you created a community, one that answers the call and gives from the heart, because you asked, and because of all you do, and others willing to stand with you to do good.
Sam/Frank.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, peace and goodwill to all.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 11:51 am
===The Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.com Commenter.===
For this I would like to nominate Oswego Willy. He consistently contributes to this blog in a meaningful fashion and his opinions are not just supported by fact, but are fact lead which is an incredibly valuable thing unto itself, whether it be on this blog or whatever OW does in real life. A commitment to a fact lead perspective allows for OW to consistently remain relevant and to make many poignant posts. He would be an incredibly valuable asset to any communications team and is an incredibly valuable contributor to this blog.
===Best Use of Social Media===
This is one of my guilty pleasures, but the kids behind the @pritzkermemes have created something delightful and got their start simply producing inside jokes. It is rare to see something like this pop up on social media that hasn’t been astroturfed by staff or isn’t part of an intentional and coordinated media message.
It’s just some guys injecting humor into our political universe and these days in politics we could always use a few more laughs.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 12:22 pm
Wordslinger award — Mr JayEm. Always on point, informed, pithy, issue oriented, not hung up in past battles, welcome use of humor. Comments when he has has something to say, says it and moves on. Refreshing.
Regret I cannot make nomination in social media category.
Comment by Flapdoodle Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 12:33 pm
Best commenter? Lucky Pierre, he at least argues his perspective with consistency and not too much ad hominem attacks on real people.
Best social media? TinaSfon. Good to have her back in Chicago reporting. This nomination is contingent on Miss Sfondeles getting the Sun Times web site to quit asking me to log in every 2 days on my phone.
Comment by ChicagoBars Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 12:56 pm
Social Media….Isabel Miller. There’s so much content listed for topics on the blog she co helms when she posts that I can barely keep up. But love it. Her new fresh take is truly appreciated.
Commenter…JoanP….she’s very quietly assertive on legal matters and I appreciate her consistent take on issues.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 1:07 pm
I nominate Walker. The reasons already listed are correct. I’ll just add that I appreciate the hiding in plain sight method of selecting a username and his brevity. We can all learn from his attempts to say a lot with a few words.
Comment by JJJJJJJJJJ Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 1:08 pm
Ah crap I forgot social media. Easily the Pritzker Memes account. I genuinely think they’re responsible for introducing people to Governor Pritzker and his frequently affable press conferences.
Comment by JJJJJJJJJJ Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 1:09 pm
I also nominate walker for the Wordslinger award. He frequently notes insightful and often overlooked points to the critical issues facing Illinois. And his brevity in doing so is worthy of emulation by all, especially me.
For social media, I also have to nominate Pritzker Memes. Their videos are genuinely funny and highlight the work the Governor is doing in relatable and appreciated ways. Frankly, I think Pritzker’s social media team could take a tip or two from them.
Comment by Panther Pride Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 1:26 pm
If we aren’t giving John Amdor an award for his Twitter account then what are we doing?
I nominate Commissar Gritty. I’ve always appreciated the snark with a special callout to this week’s “Put Kevin McCarthy in charge of the House, and it’ll be like waiting for rain on Tatooine.”
Comment by Nuke The Whales Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 1:35 pm
Best Social Media Use: Pritzker Memes account that makes Gov. Pritzker more relatable.
The Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.com Commenter: Oswego Willy is the only correct choice here.
Comment by Justin Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 1:48 pm
Commentator: I nominate Candy Dogood. Thorough comments always Many times I have to come back to “her” comments to digest all of what is being said. I learn something from her always.
I dont really follow anyone’s social media so I’ll nominate Rich himself. Since 1994 I have learned and gotten insight first from the fax as a kid and now the board. When they told me I could be fired for talking to Rich, I knew that meant I really needed to pay attention. The funny part is (was) I learned a lot from those people as well.
Comment by low level Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 2:23 pm
Commenter: Anyone Remember gets my nod. This still makes me chuckle. https://capitolfax.com/2022/11/10/do-better-ap/#comment-13582632
Social media: Another Tina Sfondeles stan reporting for duty. I can’t look at a construction site without checking over my shoulder to make sure nobody’s around to take my picture.
Comment by The Opinions Bureau Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 2:23 pm
Gee thanks. My slinger nominee is Vern. Don’t know who he is but he’s got the goods
Best social media poster MrJM. He’s at another level and always entertaining
Comment by Walker Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 2:25 pm
I nominate CWB Chicago for it’s effective use for social media covering what will be the biggest issue in the Chicago Mayor’s race, rising violent crime.
My vote for best commenter is definitely Chicago Bars who has my dream job.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 2:57 pm
Wordslinger award: I’ve got to echo those who nominated Oswego Willy. I always look forward to his take on what’s been posted. He puts the facts out, and, while he can be harsh, he’s never mean.
Social media: I don’t engage much with social media, so this is tough. Can I nominate Rich AND Isabel?
And my thanks to Amalia - just being nominated is an honor [banned punctuation].
Comment by JoanP Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 3:03 pm
===Don’t know who he is but he’s got the goods===
Posting under your own name puts you a cut above most, especially given your position. Happy to reciprocate the nomination, and I wish more of your colleagues would join you here. You’re a shining example of how elected officials don’t need to be afraid of sharing their thoughts in public and in real time. Congrats on a well-deserved win in November, hope you get another one here.
For social media, I’d like to heap some praise on the Reform for Illinois team. Their Sunshine Money Tracker on Twitter was an invaluable resource for understanding what was happening in Illinois politics throughout the election. Honorable mention for Scott Kennedy, who puts in a ton of work to assemble and publish election data.
Comment by vern Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 3:27 pm
===just being nominated is an honor===
Stay with it. You’re definitely on track for the future.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 3:44 pm
Nominations are now closed.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 16, 22 @ 4:00 pm