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* Our final round…
* Best state legislative staffer - non-political
* Best CapitolFax.com commenter
Remember to explain your votes or they won’t be counted.
* And here are our winners from yesterday. Julie Hamos wins best state agency director…
Julie Hamos, for preventing her agency from completely disintegrating. All the agency directors deserve credit for working with duct tape and WD40 to keep things running, but Hamos has one of the biggest agencies.
Gary Hannig wins honorable mention…
I think Gary Hannig does a great job as agency director. He’s a former legislator who knows everyone, is well-liked and gets things done.
* Best Illinois congresscritter is, once again, Sen. Dick Durbin…
In Congress, Dick Durbin remains above the pack. He has constantly fought to bring home federal resources. Politically, where the state Democratic Party has often had a narrower, more local focus (ahem), Durbin has filled the void, helping congressional candidates and building the larger party.
Honorable mention goes to Peter Roskam for this nomination…
Roskam shows the best promise for the future, while doing a very good job for his district. Remember his days in the GA. He is very smart without being cocky, and this has been recognized by colleagues and leaders in DC (out there they are not threatened by that kind of talent). He goes to all the key meeting when Boehner needs 3 or 4 sharp people to do the bargaining. He has been selected chief deputy whip for next congress, which is a huge deal in DC. Makes him #5 among House GOPrs — what Hastert was when he stepped-up. He will essentially recommend what bills get called. He is also great for the district. Every call is returned promptly, and he will never suffer from forgetting what “the people back home” expect. 5 years from now the talk will all be about what Roakam has achieved for Illinois in Congress
* Best Illinois statewide elected official goes to Comptroller Dan Hynes. Here’s what I wrote…
A hostile comptroller can shut down a government by just paying a few state bills on time. Hynes lost the primary, but hasn’t played politics with Quinn on the budget this year. He could’ve completely undercut the guv and didn’t. He also runs a very solid shop. Topinka may wish she had run for treasurer again once she takes office. A thankless nightmare of an office run by a class guy.
I don’t think Hynes gets nearly enough credit for the way he’s run his office during our fiscal crisis. He’s done the best possible job in an impossible situation. And he’ll be missed.
I should’ve said “constitutional officers” instead of statewide elected officials. However, Auditor General Bill Holland qualifies as both, since he is elected by the Legislature. He wins honorable mention…
For Const. Officer I’ll go with Bill Holland if he qualifies. Very respected by both sides and doesn’t play favorites.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:23 pm
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Best Cap Fax Commenter. Hands down Wordslinger. Turn out the lights, the party is over that award is in the bag for Word. Word’s comments are always thoughtful ,witty and insightful. I will give honorable mention to Bill for simply being a partisan loon.
I have no opinion on the staffer, dont personally know any.
Comment by Living In Oklahoma Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:28 pm
I also don’t know enough to pick a staffer, but Wordslinger is by far and away the best commenter. There isn’t anyone even close.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:29 pm
Best Commenter: Schnorf, who brings experience, reason, knowledge, common-sense, civility and good faith to the discussion. He doesn’t always suffer fools, but he’s generally willing to hear them out. A GOP partisan who sees beyond party and is willing to work with all in search of solutions for the greater good. Splendid behavior.
Don’t have the goods to vote on staffer.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:31 pm
Best Legislative Staffer-NonPol: I’m not sure if he qualifies but Dick Edwards has to be one of the most important people in the entire process. He is stern but fair, has high expectations which I think enhances everyone’s work product, and is one of the best managers I’ve witnessed. He is kind and always willing to lend his time for law students wanting to learn about the system.
Best Blogger: I always seek out YDD for a balanced and insightful comment. While I may not agree with everything proffered, I respect the professional couth kept, especially when some of the nonsense causes me to leave the string - too often, unfortunately. I think a good measure is how frequently a blogger causes others to provide insight on the point made, and I submit invariably YDD helps direct the conversation which truly advances blog discourse.
Comment by 21st State Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:34 pm
Best commented is Quincy Dave…, he cuts right through the crap to the issue.
Comment by DavE Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:35 pm
Gimme a Break: Tells it like it is.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:36 pm
I would argue Bill for his defense of Rod when it wasn’t easy and for calling Quinn out as much as he did.
Also he always makes you think.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:38 pm
I think Rich should name it the “Wordslinger Best Commenter Award” in the future because the he’s set the bar so high that none of us will come near it. It’s well-earned.
I’d give an honorable mention to VanillaMan for his prolific verbality. I rarely agree with him, but the man can write. Where’s he been lately?
For best staffer, Mitch Lifson from the Senate team. The guy knows the minutia of the state budget and his grasp of the tiniest details will have your eyes glazing over in no time.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:41 pm
Best Commenter - The “wordslinger” Best Commenter Award goes to VanillaMan and his posting abaility, be it in verse or in “2nd verse” as in a song … VanillaMan for the “wordslinger” Commenter Award.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:56 pm
The best commenter? The poster I think many of us scan for: Wordslinger. Thanks to Wordslinger, I either learn something new, unlearn something I had wrong, or enjoy what often turns out to be the best laugh of the day.
Best staffer: Colleen Atterbury. Professional, responsive, always pleasant, often funny and always gets the job done.
Comment by Indeedy Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:29 pm
I have to go with Word. He remembers great stories I haven’t thought about in decades. He seems to have been everywhere when everything happened (or he has a great Wiki link). Plus he plays it straight most of the time and calls them like he sees them.
OneMan and YDD get the old timer’s Hall of Fame award.
Schnorf is OK as a runner up even though he is (or was) a republican.
Vannie gets a nod for sheer volume although I think he is taking the state’s new regulation to archive all e-mails seriously.
For staffer I’ll go with Janie Morrison from Kotowski’s office because she is still speaking to me.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:39 pm
Best Commenter: Circular Firing Squad. Why? for the same reason we like cartoons–they are a complete break from reality. His posts are nonsensical, often incoherent and they fly in the face of all current events and logic–yet they simultaneously entertain.
Best Legislative Staffer: Frank Strauss. a real house historian who is one of the brightest minds in the capitol and one of the most genuinely nice people you will ever meet.
Comment by The Gimmees Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:04 pm
Commenter - I’m going with my multiple personalities because they cover all viewpoints and represent all segments of society equally. Past that, I’ll second or third Word.
For non-political staffer, I’m going with a runner-up in the political staffer area - Heather Wier Vaught. As Deputy Counsel to the Speaker, she is involved in or negotiating nearly every major piece of legislation. She advocates for her boss, but is fair and always willing to listen. She’s incredibly intelligent, charming and does her job with aplomb. There really isn’t a more critical staffer on that side of the building.
Comment by The Real Deal Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:07 pm
==His posts are nonsensical, often incoherent and they fly in the face of all current events and logic==
Just like his job in real life.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:10 pm
Best Staffer: Jessica Handy. She knows her stuff and is always extremely helpful.
Comment by Postmaster Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:10 pm
Add my vote for VanillaMan as best commenter. Not afraid to make his case and stand his ground in the face of withering challenges from both sides. Most important is his satires using our favorite songs/poems. Prolific hardly seems sufficient to describe the quality/quantity of his musings.
I am not in regular contact w/staffers so don’t feel qualified to vote in that regard.
Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:12 pm
Jessica has taken herself out of the running.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:16 pm
Staffer: Dick Edwards. It’s simple, Dick has to draft what people negotiate, fix their stupid mistakes and be impartial. Can you think of a more frustrating job? Thanks for all of the great years of service Dick.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:18 pm
If committee/research/approp counts as “non-political,” I nominate Jessica Handy, who was with the SDems through the end of last week. Jess gets both the policy and the politics and, in an environment where it’s easy to become jaded quickly, she never forgets that what she’s doing affects real people. She’s so invested it’s almost unhealthy.
Tasked with education and pensions over the last few years, she handled a huge workload–not just a large number of bills, but some of the most complicated and controversial bills to come before the GA in recent memory (HB 174, pensions reform, and vouchers, to name a few). President Cullerton has had enough faith in her to call her in to brief not just his own caucus but the House Dems, as well. She’s completely top notch, and the caucus is losing a huge asset.
Comment by The Electric Mayhem Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:18 pm
Best non-political staffer - Mark Jarmer - of the House Democratic Appropriations / Research staff. Mark is hard working, extremely responsive and is always looking out for the interests of the citizens, his caucus’ members and the committees he staffs. He takes his role as a non-political staffer seriously. When a conversation veers in that direction, I have heard him defer and say “I don’t know about that you’ll have to ask the Representative,” etc.
Best commenter - Yellow Dog Democrat - although he occasionally takes himself way too seriously and he isn’t nearly as funny an entertaining as I am, YDD regularly presents facts to back up his arguments and he’s a great contributor.
Comment by Siriusly Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:19 pm
Wordslinger. Smart, funny, savvy.
Comment by soccermom Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:20 pm
I voted for Dick, but wanted to say Heather Wier Vaught deserves runner up….again. Sorry Heather, you would have my vote, but Dick’s warm and cheeriful persona cannot be beat.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:25 pm
Best staffer: Colleen Atterbury. She once stayed late to help me with a project when I was a lowly intern and had no idea what I was doing. She is a great person and a great asset to the capitol. she always has advice or words of encouragement and she is hilarious. Thanks Colleen!
Comment by Just the messenger Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:26 pm
A great way to end my lifelong Illinois residency: voting for wordslinger as best commenter. His insights are always on point and (as far as I know) correct. My musical knowledge has increased tenfold reading his musings. No matter the subject matter of the post, as I scan the comments I always stop to read what he has to say. A close second is VanillaMan, one of the top writers who’s opinion I value.
On a personal note, I would like to thank all (OK, most) of the regular commenters on this blog and most of all Rich. Since moving away from Springfield a dozen years ago, this site has kept me in the loop with the goings-on and I will certainly check back frequently. I’ll never forget firing my computer up at work and reading the news about Blago’s arrest. But with the start of the new year I will be working in the Show Me State government. Does anyone know of a similar blog covering Jefferson City?
Thanks to all, and best wishes to Illinois as it tries to recover from years of mismanagement. I’m rooting for you, but taking my chips to a different table.
Comment by Moving To Missouri (f/k/a Vote Quimby!) Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:27 pm
Sorry my cutting/pasting got out of whack…Vanilla gets credit for the music. Sheesh!
Comment by Moving To Missouri (f/k/a Vote Quimby!) Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:36 pm
Best commenter — have to go to that guy who was raving about civil unions the night of the bill. Priceless comedy. Return to the standards of 1960?
Second goes to YDD. More than just about anybody here, he tosses around facts. His facts may lead him to different conclusions than it would lead others, but he does state facts. Stuff like that makes reading the discussion worthwhile. It is easy for people to dump opinions here but that does not really further the discussion. YDD’s comments actually provide a basis for the opinions and makes the discussion far more interesting and useful.
Comment by Skeeter Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:38 pm
Cinncinatus gets my commenter vote for articulate, thought-provoking conversation from which I actually learn something many times.
I agree with the Mark Jarmer vote on legislative staffer. His demeanor and his dedication to trying get a bill analysis actually BE an analysis and not just a parrot of what he is told by the parties on either side of a bill. He has always provoked a sense of true professionalism in his work, and really getting at understanding whatever issues may be involved. The Speaker found a good one in Jarmer.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:40 pm
Most talented commenter: VanillaMan
Best Staffer: John Hollman on House Democratic staff is indispensable! He is organized and works well under pressure, making him a perfect candidate to have his hands in many of the big projects House Democrats deal with each session. His understanding of and familiarity with the legislative process is incredible. He works hard not only on his own committees but staffs the all important rules process as well.
Comment by December14 Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:44 pm
Best Commenter - Wordslinger of course. High quality style of writing. Succinct and pithy. Runner-up: Oswego Willy - almost always raises a laugh.
Comment by The Ghost of Shadrack Bond Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:50 pm
Seeya, VQ. Good luck.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:51 pm
Commenter: Yellow Dog Democrat- Always has the good inside scoop
Staffer: Jessica Basham. She’s bright, informed and always gets the job done.
Comment by formerstaffer Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:52 pm
Thanks, Bill…you were 3rd by the way.
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:56 pm
Best staffer: John Hollman. what is there to say, he has a wealth of knowledge, endless amounts of patience, and is always entertaining.
Comment by nighthawk... Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:56 pm
John Hollman is a delight to interact with personally and professionally - helpful, smart and hardworking. And a good sense of humor!
Comment by Oh, please.... Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:00 pm
VQ - all the best …
Ghost … thanks, appreciate that!
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:01 pm
Best commenter - Steve Schnorf. He gets beyond the partisan arguments and cuts to the chase on what is the true issue at hand.
Best staffer: Jeff Houch with the House Dems. With pension and juvenile justice, he had some big stuff going on and I don’t know if he even left the Capitol building, but he always returned calls, got you information, and knew exactly what was going on or would find out for you.
Comment by Katydid Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:02 pm
Best Staffer: Kim Janas on SDem staff. She’s quick witted, extremely bright, hard working, and generally lives the nerf life. She has fantastic style and is totally smitten with the work.
Comment by Rayne of Terror Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:02 pm
Best Commenter - Wordslinger. Always makes me laugh.
Best Staffer - Jessica Handy. I couldn’t agree with Electric Mayhem more. Incredibly bright, she was involved in a number of major bills that passed the Senate. Extremely hard working and competent. Handled two of the hardest, most complicated committees under the dome. Big loss for the Senate IMO. Too bad she took herself out of the running.
Comment by I could be wrong.. Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:04 pm
Whether Jessica Handt has taken herself out of the running or not, she has done an incredible job as Senate pension and education staffer. Having one of those two committees by itself could burn anyone out quickly. She staffed both well during times when significant pieces of legislation moved through the Senate (HB174 and pension reforms, for example). Jessica worked as hard as anyone on staff and was a resource for leadership, members, and stakeholders. Give her the Recently Left Staff but Will be Greatly Missed Golden Horseshoe!
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:05 pm
I nominate CGFA director Dan Long as best non-political staffer. For years, Dan’s operation has been churning out timely and informative reports on the state’s finances, especially with regard to the state’s dismal pension situation. Dan is always willing to take time to discuss CGFA’s reports with anyone who reaches out to him, whether it be a staffer, a legislator, or member of the press. He makes himself available to testify in committees, and more importantly, he always has a kind word for everybody he sees.
Comment by The Elderly Eastern Sangamon County Land Surveyor Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:08 pm
Commenter - Wordslinger, his angle is usually right on, and the way he presents his argument is poetry in motion.
Staffer - It’s hard to top Adam Margolin, with the House Democrat Attorney Staff aka “tech review”. If it’s a complicated bill, chances are he’s taking the lead on it for the House Democrats. One of the hardest working people in the building. Plus, he has a great attitude and is a real pleasure to work with.
Comment by Dirt Diver Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:19 pm
Best Staffer–Eric Lane from House Dem Staff. Always willing to go above and beyond, incredibly well versed on most issues, extremely hard worker, but always behind the scenes and never looking to make himself “look good’, seems to be ‘in it’ for the right reasons and most inportantly…has a way of always trying to keep the members constituents at the forefront of every issue. Goes the extra mile without asking…Not looking for the big lobby contract. Wants to see the best government possible.
Comment by Love Illinois Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:27 pm
Certainly John Lowder and Dave Ellis have kept the state operational in the face of the GOP shutdown efforts. They should share the honor, but get their own invites to the big awwards dinner.
We don’t read the comments very often so it hard to pick a favorite. All the Blagoof enablers were pretty funny, but most of them have been thortled by their lawyers.
It is fun when Capt Fax goes nutso on commenters who are being naughty.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:31 pm
BTW picking Durbin is a real stumper given the gaffe on high speed rail and wipe out of the COngressional delegation and Lexi ….but hey, he did keep his gig.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:38 pm
VQ, God bless you, brother. Funniest, most subversive handle ever. You, yourself, have the cheeriest disposition, too.
Remember that highway runs both ways.
When they say “Show Me,” knock those crackers silly. Despite what you see at the convenience and liquor stores in St. Louis, it’s really not cool to pop that 12-pack as soon as you get in the car, not matter what the Busch Dynasty members might tell you.
I lived for two years on the Iowa side of the Mississippi, had half a Victorian with a deck looking straight at Quarters One on Rock Island for $300 a month. But I couldn’t wait to get back to this crazy melting pot.
The dominant political figures then, and today, were Branstad, Harkin and Grassley. Real tough birds, exceptional, each one of them, in their own ways. But it’s not the same.
Don’t be a stranger. Shine on, you crazy diamond.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:39 pm
A strong second for Adam Margolin of House Tech Review. Talk about someone who takes the lead on some very important and complicated legal issues, Adam has successfuly performed the sometimes tedious and frustrating work of a legal staffer. He gets the job done well and always manages to keep an upbeat attitude.
Comment by Gentlemen, behold! Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:01 pm
Best Staffer: Kurt DeWeese. The guy was so missed that he was brought out of retirement and put back on the bench. His knowledge of heatlhcare and human services cannot be matched by anyone in the statehouse, and I do mean anyone. With as long as he’s been around, one would think he would be filled with snark, but he’s not. He’s always willing to answer your questions and to give you a history lesson about what has worked, what has not, and what we should try in the future. Without question, Kurt is the best legislative staffer we have.
Comment by Fantasma Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:10 pm
As a Dark Horse contender for best commenter, I like 47th Ward. He or she is neither as musical as Vanilla Man nor as quick with a clever turn of phrase as Wordslinger, but I wish I had a nickel for every time 47th Ward injected sanity and *actual facts* into conversations where such items were lacking.
Scratch that–I wish the state had those nickels in the General Revenue Fund. We’d be better off.
Comment by Dr. Teeth Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:25 pm
Can’t decide between the two, so I’m with Willy on this one: “The wordslinger Award” to V-Man.
Never knew whether word’s handle should be pronounced “word slinger” or “words linger”, but he always hits the target hard with what seems to be a keen awareness that words also linger. A true gentleman with in-depth knowledge of, and an interesting perspective on, all of the issues.
V-Man’s there, too–and IMHO, his creative approach has “saved” us on many occasions by either introducing humor just at the right time, or jumpstarting a thread when it was on its last legs. (Not that that happens often here.) Can’t think of another political blog that has such a great resident Muse. Plus, he deserves alot of credit for often going “into battle” on his own and keeping his ground.
Looking back at the posts over the years, it’s obvious that these guys have had the “right stuff” that makes this blog so great right from the get-go–and, as 47th said, have helped to set a standard that’s tough to beat.
Comment by The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:33 pm
Oh, and Quimby, I’ve never been to Missouri, but I believe they have internet there. So, please don’t stay away for too long. I don’t want to miss you alot, too.
Comment by The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:38 pm
They have the Internet in Missouri, they just don’t have spell check.
Comment by Siriusly Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:56 pm
David Ellis does his job well. He had his moment in the sun during the impeachment trial.
YDD comments regularly and consistently with substance, not snark or invective.
Comment by reformer Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:57 pm
So many good commenters on here–ws, the Dog, 47, Cincy, I just can’t pick one
Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 5:16 pm
Best legislative staff person goes to Kim Janas, Senior Counsel to the Senate President, she is the go-to for a variety of issues…tax, education, banking, labor, and civil procedure
Comment by Lotta Liaison Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 5:19 pm
Commentator - Wordslinger
A great entertaining writer full of wit. I would like to join all the other comments made about word in this thread, but I would also like to add that word is such a strong advocate for what he believes is right. For instance, if a fellow commentator writes a post that makes wordslinger mad or writes a post that word really disagrees with, that other commenator best be prepared to look like a jackass because word will write a well written response that will just destroy. Translation, you can’t debate wordslinger because debate implies some sort of competition or “back and forth.” Word always kills, and so he should get commenator of the year.
Comment by Cuban Pilot Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 5:28 pm
There are plenty of outstanding commenters on here, some witty, some partisan, some both.
But Schnorf brings a gravitas to the discussion that no one else does. Amidst the ad hominem arguments, the rhetoric, spin, flakiness, and on-up-manship, Schnorf stands out as a reminder that the issues we debate here are important and that the outcome of the public debate in Springfield has real consequences for real people.
Best non-political staffer: John Lowder, who not only knows where all of the bodies are buried, but makes them reappear at will.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 5:34 pm
Best legislative staffer is a tie between Jessica Basham and Adam Margolin. Both are somehow just about the only people who ever know what is moving in committee and are bright, hard working, and trusted by House leadership.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 7:14 pm
I’ve worked with both sides of the aisle for some time now, and I believe Brook Stewart w/ the House Repubs Staff should be considered for best legislative staffer. Brook is always pleasant, knowledgeable, and her efficiency is second to none.
Comment by Go Packers Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 7:44 pm
The best Commentor is -Everybody (!) Reading and contributing from time to time is quite informative, and more so, quite fun! Thanks for giving us this opportunity, Rich–actually, although you run the thing, you’re pretty darn good yourself with most of your comments, too….
Comment by Just The Way It Is One Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 8:36 pm
The key people on staff are Mitch Lifson (SDEM), Jim Dodge (SDEM), Heather Wier (HDEM), and Jo Johnson (SGOP).
They go above and beyond the call of duty for their state. Hope they get raises!!!
Best commentator is Bill.
Comment by Gator Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 8:49 pm
Best blogger has to go to wordslinger. I am a regular reader but infrequent commentor. I think wordslinger has the uncanny ability to drill down the the meat of an issue when the other bloggers are too broad. Alternatively, wordslinger focuses the conversation onto high level issues when the scope is too narrow. Kinda like a blogger devil’s advocate.
Best legislative staffer: Regardless of the fact Rich says she took herself out of the running, I think the award should go to Jessica Handy. I don’t know of any other staffer who have been invited to brief a caucus of the other chamber. Most staffers never even step foot in a caucus meeting of their own members, but she has done House and Senate. These past few years have been largely about education and pensions, and she staffed BOTH until just a week ago. Jessica did all of those midnight hours while having significant family obligations. I would think that’s the kind of dedication you would want in a golden horseshoe recipient.
Comment by Charlie Foxtrot Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 9:00 pm
Commentator - too many to nominate just one
Non-political staffer - Has to go to Dick Edwards - he is the master drafter and fixes what rest of us screw up. He puts up with enormous egos and keeps his wits about him. Lots of great staffers for honorable mention like Lowder and Margolin but Dick is one of a kind.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 9:45 pm
=They have the Internet in Missouri, they just don’t have spell check.=
lol I’m now wondering whether Ghost’s…um…”style” shouldn’t really be attributed to the keyboard he loves so much and refuses to replace. Maybe he just doesn’t want to admit he’s posting here all the way from Missouri. Either way, he should probably get some sort of an award, too.
And, yeah, where would we be without Bill? (Awww, Bill.)
(This is tough. Another reason why Rich gets, and deserves, the beaucoup bucks.)
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 11:19 pm
Sorry. Last one was me.
Comment by The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 11:20 pm
Kim Janas is far and away the best staffer. She has a passion for her job that translates into an amazing work ethic. In addition to being one of the brightest people in Springfield, she genuinely loves her job. She will go out of her way to help you out…even if she has no time and you are a fellow staffer. Bottom line, she is smart. Don’t underestimate her.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 11:44 pm
I have to give props Brook Stewart. I wish all staffers had her work ethic. Thanks for your tireless effort on Higher Ed!
Comment by Lady Gaga Wednesday, Dec 15, 10 @ 7:39 am
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:40 pm:
“Cinncinatus gets my commenter vote for articulate, thought-provoking conversation from which I actually learn something many times”
A ridiculous choice!
I enjoy most my clashes with wordslinger who hardly, if ever resorts to ad hominem attacks. YDD ranks a close second, but sometimes resorts to name calling which I find distasteful, but I cannot remember a time YDD did not come back a post or two later with a retraction. OneMan and VanillaMan get honorable mention.
I only wish that there were a few more conservative commenters here on CapitolFax. For the rest, we conservatives are not necessarily evil, which brings me back to wordslinger who doesn’t believe conservatives are as bad as we may seem to liberals.
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Dec 15, 10 @ 8:31 am
Sure missed this one & messed up, Louie Mossos of Senate Democrat staff deserves a big shout out. He’s great to work with, extremely competent and devoted to his job.
Comment by forwhatitsworth Wednesday, Dec 15, 10 @ 7:41 pm