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* The 2023 Golden Horseshoe for Best Place to Gather for Dinner During Session Weeks goes to Maldaner’s…
Never had a bad meal there. The traditional feel combined with its status as one of last of the downtown hold-outs, give the place a nostalgic old-school vibe.
The voting was all over the place, but I liked that explanation the best.
* The 2023 Golden Horseshoe for Best Place to Gather for Drinks, Etc. During Session Weeks goes to Boone’s…
Boones, especially on a night warm enough to be outside. Good atmosphere and a Springfield tradition in the bar scene.
Runner-up goes to JP Kelly’s.
* Today’s categories…
Best Senate Democrat Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager
Best Senate Republican Legislative Assistant/District Office Manage
I know it’s difficult to nominate in both categories for things like this, but please do your best. Also, remember this is about intensity, not numbers. If you don’t explain your nomination, it won’t count.
* We raised more than $2,500 over the weekend to buy Christmas presents for foster kids. That means 100 more kids will receive presents, bringing our total to more than 1,600 children. Thanks!!!
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois serves more than 2,500 foster kids, so we have a ways to go. Please, click here and contribute if you haven’t already, or if you can afford just a little more.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 11:40 am
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Previous Post: Report: Illinois prisons need $2.5 billion for overdue repairs
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SDem- How can it be anyone other than Trisha Rebbe Sen. Robert Peters? She keeps wheels on the bus for her outspoken and hardworking boss and does it with a healthy dose of grace.
SGOP- Dana Hooven in Sen. Dale Fowler’s office has always been a pleasure to work with.
Comment by The Opinions Bureau Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 12:14 pm
**Best Senate Democrat Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager**
This one is easy for me: Trisha Rebbe, Sen Peters’ LA. First, love the Senator, but he’s not always the easiest to keep focused and organized
, but Trisha does an incredible job keeping the Springfield side of the office running AND doing all of his scheduling. But, second, she’s had to deal with a LOT this year (and previous years) due to Sen. Peters being outspoken on the internet — the level of vitriol she has to deal with on the phones is disgusting and horrific, yet she handles it with incredible calm. Sen. Peters has done a lot of pretty big things in his relatively short time in office, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Trisha.
**Best Senate Republican Legislative Assistant/District Office Manage**
I unfortunately had little interaction with SGOP offices this year, so don’t have much to offer on this one.
Comment by JoeMaddon Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 12:15 pm
Senate Dems: Lisa Katava- Lisa is the best. She has worked for various members over the years and now serves as Leader Holmes’ LA. She is the kindest person under the dome and is always looking out for others. AND she has the best snacks/candy/fruit/etc. out of any office!
Senate Republican: I haven’t had enough interactions with the SGOP LA’s this year to come up with a nomination.
Comment by Red Line Rambler Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 12:22 pm
The Best Republican Legislative Assistant in the Senate is Barb Frobish! She organizes, teaches, mentors and supports not only other LAs but Senators as well! In addition, Barb is the best baker in the Stratton! She is an absolute joy to work with.
Comment by Hilltopper Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 1:39 pm
Senate Dem - By far, Thera Bond, Senator Doris Turner’s LA. She’s only been around for a year but has quickly learned the political world, especially for a swing district that requires coordination with dems and republicans (not always an easy job). She answers every phone call, responds to all constituent inquiries and keeps Senator Turner extremely organized - all with a smile on her face. She truly works hard everyday, not just for the senator but for the people of the 48th Senate District.
Unfortunately, I haven’t interacted with the Senate GOP LAs.
Comment by Springfield Westsider Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 1:39 pm
Senate Dems - Thera Bond is absolutely AMAZING!!! She is new to the Senate, but has quickly acclimated herself to all things happening in and around the Senate, and definitely keeps things running very smoothly. She is so organized, and keeps me organized, and is excellent at constituent service. We have a number of groups that come to visit and they always rave about the excellent coordination that Thera provides. She always has a welcoming smile that comes across through the telephone. I get so many compliments about her; she is such a blessing to me and the 48th District.
Comment by Doris Turner Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 2:03 pm
Senate Dems - Thera Bond is a ROCK STAR. She manages the office (and the Senator) with such grace, dedication and always with a smile on her face. She is a breath of fresh air and is always willing to offer a helping hand. She has a sixth sense that allows her to always know when Senator Doris Turner needs something - I have seen the Senator say her name and she just magically appears.
As mentioned above - she goes above and beyond working for a Senator who represents a swing district. And is always looking for ways to improve the lives of the residents of the 48th District. The Senate and Senator Turner are so fortunate to have her on their team!
Unfortunately, I haven’t interacted with the Senate GOP LAs.
Comment by Big Fan Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 2:07 pm
Senate Dems — Lacey Stauffer (Castro), always a smile on her face and helps staff, constituents and lobbyists by providing valuable background and information.
Senate Republicans — Tracy Reiser-Walters (DeWitte) — will go out of her way to make sure you can see her Senator and follows up often.
Comment by Springpatch Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 2:09 pm
Senate Dems- Lacey Stauffer- Senator Castro’s Legislative Assistant. Goes above and beyond!
Comment by -CH Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 2:28 pm
Senate Dem: Lacey Stauffer, Senator Cristina Castro’s LA. Not only does Lacey manage a very busy Senator, she clerks the all important Senate Executive Committee. Lacey balances the Senator’s schedule and meetings with stakeholders with professionalism and kindness. She’s also a team player, Senator Stadelman was down an LA and Lacey volunteered to help him and her senator this spring session. She’s a hard worker and willing to step up where needed. She deserves the nod.
Senate Republican: Barb Frobish. She’s the utmost professional and great to deal with. Just a great person.
Comment by Springpatch watcher Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 2:30 pm
Lacey Stauffer with Castro is great. Always knowledgeable and accessible. For senate r’s, it’s Tracy with Dewitte. Like her boss she is friendly and practice!
Comment by Twofer Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 2:41 pm
Senate Dems: Thera Bond is the rightful pick for the Golden Horseshoe.
Comment by Justin Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 2:53 pm
Senate Dems: Senator Castro has an incredible team and her LA, Lacey Stauffer, is so wonderful to work with. She is always incredibly welcoming and has her thumb on the pulse of what’s happening not just with Sen. Castro but in the building. Her insights have been invaluable and I’m so grateful because it makes my job that much easier when I can have someone like Lacey I can call.
Comment by Merm Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 3:15 pm
Lacey Stauffer- Castro, very attentive and always has a smile, she is a rockstar!
Comment by Springfield Southside Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 3:20 pm
SDems - Thera Bond is an easy choice for this. Senator Turner carries a lot legislation - dealing with staff, lobbyist, etc, and Thera is on top of it all. She knows exactly who to reach out to, what to do and how to do it when it comes to anything Turner related. She organizes big groups and Sheppard’s them through the Capitol Complex with no complaints. She is well-deserving of this award.
Comment by Wobblies United Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 3:42 pm
Thera Bond hands down! Not only does she do her job in exemplary style; she has a knack of anticipating Senator’s needs and wants. She has developed such a wonderful relationship with Senate staff that is of great benefit to her and the Senator. She has only been in the Senate a short time, but delivers like a veteran! And the winner is - Thera Bond!!
Comment by Showtime! Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 4:01 pm
SDEM - Trisha Rebbe - she’s kind, she’s organized, and she keeps Sen. Peters moving to what and where he needs to be. She’s so good.
SGOP: I don’t work with many of them, but Barb Frobish is always kind and professional, and a pleasure to work with.
Comment by PhishPhry Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 4:07 pm
SDem- Senator Castro’s LA Lacey Stauffer. Lacey is exceptionally smart and capable. In my opinion, she is one of the hardest working employees under the Dome. She is always willing to help out any legislator or staffer who needs help. Most impressively, no matter how busy she is or how many people she is helping, she always has a smile on her face. Truly one of the most pleasant staffers I have had the pleasure of working with.
SGOP- I have worked with Becky in Senator Dewitte’s District Office several times, and she is always a very pleasant and knowledgeable person.
Comment by Arlington Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 4:09 pm
My vote for SDems staffer is Jack Lockhart, Sen. Gillespie’s Chief of Staff. Each year, Sen. Gillespie has taken on increasingly important and complicated roles (and the State’s better off for it). But behind the Senator every step of the way is Jack who keeps the wheels on the bus with professionalism, kindness, and wit. He’s in it for the success of his boss, not power or reputation. And yet, he also has one of the best reputations in our business of anyone I’ve met. He’s more than earned it.
Comment by Panther Pride Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 4:58 pm
for SGOP, Barb Frobish is the best, she goes above and beyond for her Senator (now Senator Sally Turner, but also Paul Schimpf, Dave Luechtefeld and in district for Dan Rutherford when they were in the Senate). She’s diligent and works hard to help her Senator and constituents.
For SDEM, I’m not sure if this is the right category, but I’m going to say Selena Gorman. She has been there for both Eric Madair and Giovanni Randazzo as Chief Counsel and for the whole SDEM Legal team. She’s helpful, organized and friendly on top of being extremely competent.
Comment by Retired Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 5:41 pm
Being a legislative staffer from legal to policy to legislative aide to district staff is very difficult work. Each of y’all deserve plaudits for what you do.
But I do want to shoutout my legislative aide, Trisha Rebbe. She’s a real bada** and she takes everything in stride. I remember when Tucker Carlson attacked me and she took the calls and handled that so well. She handles my stacked calendar, she organized my legislative agenda and amendment needs, and she is also a mentor (along with her neighbor and sidekick Senator Joyce’s LA, Emily) to newer legislative aides.
Overall, I’m lucky to have a staff that has been kicking butt this year. They care about the constituents, the district, and each other. Trisha has been there since the very beginning.
Comment by Robert Peters Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 7:13 pm
Senate Dem: Lacey Stauffer, Senator Cristina Castro’s LA. Actually, she worked with 2 Senators during the spring session! She’s busy enough with Sen. Castro and clerking the Executive Committee, but when I was without a LA she just rolled up her sleeves and voluntarily helped me. And she kept a smile on her face. Thank you Lacey!
Comment by Steve Stadelman Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 7:36 pm
Senate Dem:
Emily Ozier for Senate Dem is one of the most pleasant people around. She clerks the busy and complicated State Gov committee and makes it look easy.
Senate GOP:
Barb Frobish, no contest. Treats everyone the exact same way–like royalty. I always knew I was I good hands when I worked with her on a big issue.
Comment by Space Cowboy Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 8:18 pm
Senate Dem: Senator Castro’s LA, Lacey Stauffer is one of the friendliest LA in Springfield. Lacey goes above and beyond to help where she is needed.
SGOP: Becky in Senator Dewitte’s District office is always very friendly and helpful.
Comment by Warrior Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 9:15 pm
Senate Dem. Lacey Stauffer from Castro’s office. She’s always helpful even on long days when everyone is ready to go home. And she’s the best gatekeeper so I’m sure the Senator is grateful.
Comment by Lemon sunshine Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 9:28 pm
A Senator’s success in the general assembly is not done alone, it is done with the help and hard work of their amazing staff. Lacey Stauffer is a key piece of that staff and deserves to be recognized with this year’s Golden Horseshoe award.
Lacey works incredibly hard not only keeping me organized in Springfield but she also works closely with my district office staff to make sure the needs of those who reach out to my office are met. Coordinating meetings, getting bills and amendments filed, taking notes in meetings, interacting with lobbyists, staff, constituents she does it without complaint and with a smile.
This session she assisted Senator Stadelman while he was looking for a new LA, she managed both our schedules, made sure we were prepared for meetings and committees etc. she went above and beyond for us both without breaking a sweat. This ontop of her duties clerking for the Senate Executive committee. Lacey has also been helpful to new members and their new LAs offering her help and guidance if needed.
Lacey’s hard work and dedication is worthy of being recognized for this year’s award.
Comment by Cristina Castro Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 10:00 pm
Lacey (Castro): Unlees you have personally staffed a chair of an Executive Committee, either in the Senate or House, you have no idea the burden or the insane amount of stuff - from papers to people - that come with staffing the chair of an Executive Committee. More recently with the shift in power (the one that people win the capitol privately talk about but publicly won’t acknowledge), the burden has fallen on Lacey. Very few handle it with such grace and style, and dare I say do it all while still looking well rested and fabulous. Lacey is the rare person who will honestly tell people, “I don’t know - check back later” our “Yeah, you’re bill isn’t getting called, good luck.” Her honesty, integrity, and character make her a rare breed in a Capitol of not-always-so-forthcoming people. Lacey is simply the best and has proven to be a force in the Capitol.
Becky (DeWitte): Unfortunately, most of the GOP LAs are unknown because their members are so completely and utterly irrelevant in the current climate. However, DeWitte is one that people from all sectors know they can talk to and trust, so his LA seems more action than all of the others (minus Curran’s office). Becky is always willing to be helpful and probably puts up with more than most LAs should have to given the number of people that want to see her member. She’s great and deserves accolades for being a gem.
Comment by Oldtimer Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 10:30 pm
Hands down, best legislative assistant is Lacey Stauffer. With a genuine smile, she will help you understand, find, answer your questions and even give advice — thank you
The job is demanding and specialized. It seems that each session there is always 50% new staffers and it’s disheartening to have to guide and train new staff. This is why we are lucky to have someone (Lacey) that has been consistent and has been critical to keeping the wheels turning. Without her, many new staff wouldn’t have the mentorship she provides and we’d have to bear the burden of an even slower government.
Comment by Kwozant Monday, Dec 4, 23 @ 10:52 pm
Thomasa Yarrington with Sen. Cunningham’s office. Bill is a very busy Senator and she does this job with grace. She is also very kind and always quick to brighten up your day.
Comment by Lamb Tuesday, Dec 5, 23 @ 8:20 am