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* The 2018 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Illinois US Representative goes to Cheri Bustos…
It’s one thing to cling on as a Democrat in what is solidly Trump country, but to win by a 20% margin in 2016 and 2018? you are doing something right and I’m not the only one who thinks that. She just got elected chair of the DCCC and many people (including me) think her of doing things could help us retake seats outside the burbs and city area. Definitely the brightest shining star out of all the US Reps.
* The 2018 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best elected statewide official goes to Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti…
Although her office doesn’t have any specific duties outside of being 2nd in line and doing what the governor wants, Sanguinetti and her staff have done a lot on the issue of local government consolidation, reducing LLC fees (she took the lead on that before Rauner), rural education and healthcare, and aggressively working to fight against and recommend the best policies that help those suffering from opioids. She may not get most attention due to the position or administration, but the Lt. Gov has done good work she can be proud of during her 4 years of service.
Sanguinetti only received one nomination, but it was so strong that it convinced me.
Congrats to our winners.
* On to today’s categories…
* Best Contract Lobbyist
* Best In-House Lobbyist
As always, make sure to explain your nominations or they won’t count. And do your best to nominate in both categories, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 12:15 pm
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Contract Lobbyist: Dave Sullivan.. most respected man in the building
In House: Kady McFadden. Hardest working enviro activist.
Comment by Wow Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 12:37 pm
Best Contract Lobbyist: Jim Morphew. He’s been around for over 30 years started with the Illinois Optometric Association and has a client list with top companies in major industries, gaming, energy, other health care organizations. Not flashy, doesn’t wear Italian loafers,just a dedicated, honest and most importantly truthful lobbyist. Jim’s word is his bond and in today’s Springfield that isn’t always the case.
Comment by 10th Ward Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 12:37 pm
10th Ward:: and what’s wrong with shoes made in Italy??? Former Gov BRUCIE will be wearing them soon
Comment by Wow Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 1:00 pm
@wow…if Jim owns a pair, the soles are worn through with all of his walking around the capitol.
Comment by 10th Ward Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 1:03 pm
By far Liz Brown. Well connected and tenacious is fighting for her clients. Have been lucky enough to work with her on a few things, have always been happy with the results and timeliness of her action. I would think with recent and coming changes in Springfield she will be one of the best assets to have in order to get things done.
Comment by 618 DEM Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 1:07 pm
I don’t know if this is the right category but I sure do love Adrienne Alexander with AFSCME. She is just so so intelligent, thoughtful and never ever fails to be there and fight for state workers. I’ll never forget the time at our legislative conference when she took time out with me to show me how to do twitter. It’s really about the level of respect she gives, even to a small person like me. I think the world of her.
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 1:15 pm
Contract Lobbyist: Abby Walsh with Michael Best Strategies. Abby is smart and savvy and puts people at easy by being herself. She practices kindness in her work which goes a long way in building lasting partnerships. She spent a decade working for Leader Brady and has built rock-solid relationships on both sides of the aisle so she always knows what is going on without coming off as a ‘know-it-all.’ She is bright and encouraging to her clients and everyone she works with. Whether we admit it or not, often times this business comes down to, ‘I don’t like that guy / gal.’ On that note, her biggest edge is she’s just super cool so people want to be around her. Walsh for the Win.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 1:20 pm
An impressive development with Sanguinetti’s office is that they eventually worked to share staff between the Governor’s Office, to offer more shared support (especially after the Gov removed his top people). This added tremendous value to her agenda.
Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 1:39 pm
Contract Lobbyist: Letitia Anderson, I am on her good side and she’s sweet to me. But the thing I admire about her professionally is that she has equal numbers of people who love her as do also fear her. If people are afraid of you, it’s sometimes a good thing for a contract lobbyist.
In House: Agree with “wow” Kady McFadden. Hardest working enviro activist, major campaign efforts to support the lobbying too.
Comment by not really Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 1:48 pm
Contract lobbyist: Ron Holmes — there are only a handful of contract lobbyists I’m willing to recommend, but Ron is one of them. He’s smart, hard working, pleasant, and ethical. He’s going to be honest with you, and the legislators he lobbies. He’s clearly one of the best in the building.
In-House lobbyist: Adrienne Alexander — Adrienne is smart and strategic and has great relationships. She understands politics and policy, from numerous angles. She’s been extremely effective as a lobbyist for years at both the state and city level. I wish I could steal her from AFSCME.
Comment by SaulGoodman Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 2:10 pm
Contract: Dave Sullivan is smart, well regarded on both sides of the isle, and gets results.
Comment by fedup Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 2:21 pm
Contract lobbyist: Tom Cullen. Knows everyone and knows the process. Works hard for all his clients.
Tom has remained a good friend and unofficial mentor to many that have worked for him at some point through the years. This is very much appreciated. If you stood by him he will stand by you no matter how much time may have gone by.
Comment by low level Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 2:33 pm
How do you not go with Rob Karr as best in-house lobbyist. Work horse - not a show pony who quietly works with every major player at the Capitol and in Chicago. Helped run the repeal of the beverage tax in Cook County while working with the Pritzker team on minimum wage. There is nobody better (or nicer) than Rob Karr.
On the contractual side, I’d go with Will Cousineau. So quiet that nobody know that he is around but I’d venture that nobody has a better relationship with Madigan and JB that Will. Growing book of business and one of the great ones.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 3:21 pm
In-house: Rob Carr
Contract: Lisa Duarte
Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 3:23 pm
==well regarded on both sides of the isle==
More correct if you say “all” sides. /s
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 3:24 pm
In-house: Ben Ruddell with ACLU. I admire Ben’s intelligence and breadth of knowledge on criminal justice issues. He’s always willing to help out, whether it’s brainstorming ideas, share background knowledge, or take a few names from a roll call. He’s got a friendly but direct manner that helps you not feel bad about your bad ideas.
Contract: “I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying,” said Oscar Wilde though it also sounds like something Mike Kreloff would say.
Over the extremely large number of years Kreloff has been working in Springfield he’s accumulated an endless array of stories, quotes, anecdotes, bon mots, segues, and political lineages. What is more, he’s always willing to share that knowledge with all the other younger lobbyists even if they’re trying to work.
Comment by John Amdor Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 3:26 pm
Dave Sullivan offers such great perspective and history while be a good person who gets solid results. He handles very difficult issues with knowledge and charm. There’s a reason why he’s so respected on both sides of the aisle.
I am so happy to work with Rob Karr on issues. Always thoughtful and dedicated.
Comment by City Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 3:28 pm
Contractual: True Blue Andrew Bodewes.
In House: Roger Dennison.
Both great people. Honest and to the point.
Comment by >> Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 3:39 pm
In house: Marc Poulos with Local 150 / Chicagoland Operators. One of the most knowledgeable, relentless, high energy people under the dome. Devastatingly effective lobbyist. This is a guy you want on your side whether its a time of war or peace. Very down to earth despite being in a powerful position. Still a likeable guy and respectful to everyone he works with.
Comment by Journeyman Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 3:50 pm
Second Journeyman.
Comment by Centennial Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 3:54 pm
Contract lobbyist: He may be new to lobbying but not Springfield, former Representative Ed Sullivan. Most former legislators fail in the lobby world where he has been successful. Sullivan help convince Gov. Rauner to sign Rep. Willis’s Firearm Restraining Order bill when the world knows the Governor wanted to veto it. All this while representing the Illinois State Rifle Association. What contract lobbyist can claim that?
In-House: Mark Denzler with Illinois Manufacturers Association. The guy is a work horse. Very few people would be comfortable stepping in to the position in the shadow of his boss Greg Baise. Denzler didn’t miss a beat and his association is better for it.
Comment by Nagidam Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 4:03 pm
===In house: Marc Poulos ===
Poulos is now a contract lobster.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 4:03 pm
In House: Kathy Drea- she has been on the right side of every public health issue even when no one wanted to agree. Her legacy includes 20.5% reduction in hospitalizations due to secondhand smoke (heart attacks, COPD, asthma, etc). The American Lung Association has a strong brand because of her and her relationships. She doesn’t win over votes with fancy non-profit dinner but instead continuing to work the issue. Nevertheless, she persisted.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 4:03 pm
A few of these sound like self-nominations, LOL.
On that note, I concur with the nod for Lisa Duarte. How does one separate the big dogs from the little dogs? Girl drama. Girl gossip. Girl cliques. Lisa does not partake. Thank goodness. When you’re that good at what you do, are able to do so with grace and fortitude, win or lose you have earned respect, you do not need to sit at the kids table.
The best In-House goes to the AFFI team. Those guys are tough. They are there for the win. They will have your back. They are your friends. We are fortunate to have them at our Capitol.
Comment by Do Do Dah Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 4:36 pm
In House- Have to say this year Colleen Daley gets it. An incredible amount of gun legislation passed this year with multiple lobbyists pushing against it. Got many traditional GOP legislators to flip and negotiate on what was their core issue and base constituent. When you get that many of your issues passed and you flip that many folks from the other side in one year thats a pretty impressive year.
Comment by Frank Talks Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 4:47 pm
Cheri is a good representative, but her district is hardly Trump country. Lane Evans (D), held that seat for 2 decades. It went (R) for ONE term when Lane’s successor made some very ill-advised comments about the Constitution on camera.
Comment by Shemp Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 4:55 pm
I agree with Low Level. Tom Cullen is a solid guy who knows the process and the people. While he may have been around for a while, he still wants to be helpful to those who ask. As for an in-house lobbyist, I would say Kathy Drea works hard for her company and always seems to get the win.
Comment by Patch Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 5:02 pm
This Rauner experience has been a disaster in many ways. I think the firefighters and the police have done very well despite the anti union sentiment coming out of the Gov office. Therefore I choose the AFFI team for in house and Dave Sullivan for his tireless work for the Chicago police. The firefighters team is unmatched in their ability to cover the Capitol. Sullivan’s efforts to help the Chicago police on key issues and stop some bad ideas while the Chicago cops are not the most liked group has been impressive.
Comment by Let’s move on Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 5:02 pm
===Poulos is now a contract lobster.====
I nominate Poulos for both then.
Comment by Peoples Republic of Oak Park Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 5:02 pm
Why does Do Do Dah seem to use the word “girl” as an insult?
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 5:33 pm
Nick Reitz in house lobbyist
Tom Ryder contract lobbist
Comment by Brian Rude Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 5:38 pm
Contract: In light of Rich’s above comment, I nominate Marc Poulos. I only know Marc through his work for Local 150/Chi-Op PAC, but, if you know him, you know that he vigorously represents Local 150’s interests (and does a lot of heavily lifting for all of Labor most days he is under the dome). He is never unprepared, and, like Dave Sullivan, has an ability to work with people on both sides of the aisle. He spent four years under a vehemently anti-Labor Rauner administration working with Rs and Ds, and although much of it was defense, he was able navigate some key wins for Labor in a very hostile environment (see the years long fight over prevailing wage rates with Rauners IDOL that ended in a deal with the Rauner administration).
In-House: I echo the above sentiment regarding Kady McFadden. She is as solid as they come.
Comment by Lt. Turmoil Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 5:47 pm
====The best In-House goes to the AFFI team. Those guys are tough. They are there for the win. They will have your back. They are your friends. We are fortunate to have them at our Capitol.====
I have to agree with the above. And you can’t pick just one of them. They come as a package. Always in committee, roaming the halls of the Capitol and the Stratton. Also great at working the grassroots effort to get their own members to reach out on the issues.
Then the icing on the cake is they keep working all night throughout town.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 6:58 pm
In House: Khadine Bennett. Of all the folks who can stake a claim to the HB40 win, nobody was a more focused, calm, goal focused workhorse than Khadine. Of all the roller coaster bills of this session, this bill required calm focused leadership & Khadine was that guy above all else.
Contract: Dave Sullivan. He’s the embodiment of watch the roller coaster, don’t ride it. A professional’s professional.
Comment by NotMe Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 7:11 pm
Contract lobbyist: Dave Lowitzki - he’s THE go-to lobbyist for the do-gooder community. He’s smart, understands the politics, the rules, and is incredible at dispensing strategic advice. He’s guided many new lobbyists and been a gut check for those with experience. For folks who can’t afford a fancy lobbyist, or those that can’t afford to pay, at all, Dave gets the job done.
Best in-house: Adrienne Alexander with AFSCME. She does Springfield, City of Chicago and Cook County. With Rauner in office she was a non stop fighter with a twitter account that is a must read. She’s a hard worker who gets the political landscape and the legislative world. On top of that she’s a kick ass mom. She deserves this nod.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 8:03 pm
Best In-House: Sarah Myerscough-Mueller. In her very first year advocating for NFP disability providers, she successfully negotiated with state agencies and stakeholders to secure critically needed wage increases for caregivers in the state budget and advanced several bills to the Governor’s desk (all signed) rationalizing oversight of disability services and seeking better, real time data on the health needs of folks living in group homes.
It is quite difficult to advance new ideas through the process but she was able to do so because she believes in the mission, works hard, seeks common ground with colleagues, and does so with a smile.
Comment by Waffle Fries Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 8:48 pm
Best in house lobbyist has to be Kim Janas who was with ISMS and then with ISMIE. Obviously, she was good enough to be plucked from the lobster house to the AGs house which should be no surprise as her heart and soul is in making Illinois a better state. While she is definitely from the left side, we on the right side still adore her and respect her. In a year of ‘me-too’ allegations and introspection, Janas has always been a consummate professional who cares deeply about fixing this state. I always enjoy meeting her for a drink and she is as intellectually stunning as . . . never mind, its the year of ‘me too’
I don’t know a ton of contractual lobbyists and the ones I do know only dabble in Springfield and are mainly Cook County and City of Chicago. Jerry Schain from Schain and Banks is definitely the one to know if you are trying to get something passed.
Comment by Kan_Man Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 9:35 pm
I’m going to echo the chorus for Adrienne Alexander with AFSCME for best In-House. She has kicked some serious butt during the reign of Rauner and there are few sharper and smarter.
Comment by Anon2 Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 9:44 pm
Next year, make it fair to the other lobbyists and ask the question: ‘Best In-House Lobbyist NOT Named Rob Karr.’ Here is a guy who is truly respected and whose insight is appreciated by both parties in both chambers. The only thing more impeccable than his appearance is his preparation. Maintaining his members’ sales tax collection fees? Check. Implement sales tax on internet sales? Check.
Best contract lobbyists are Mike Thomson & Mike Weir. If I were hiring a lobbyist I’d want their combination of door-opening capability combined with their commitment to the client. The know the issues they work as well as the people they represent and have much greater political savvy. And no one works harder. What more con you ask for?
Comment by It Wasn't a Rock... it was a Rock Lobster! Tuesday, Dec 18, 18 @ 10:19 pm
I agree with Sarah Myerscough-Mueller for best In-House lobbyist. I don’t think she sleeps. She is constantly working and constantly bringing light to complicated issues that affect developmentally disabled community. She always returns phone calls and follows up with you.
Comment by Bartlett for President Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 9:53 am