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* The 2023 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best House Democrat Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager goes to Liz Moody…
She keeps her members on track, on time and on mission despite the hectic legislative agenda her members carry. And her members carry “heavy lifting” bills that require a lot of work.
If you have ever been near Liz’s desk on a session day you would understand. She’s a combined air traffic controller, stage manager, office manager, PR spokesperson and House procedure consultant all at once.
Lobbyist, staffers, visitors and lawmakers all treated with respect and understanding. Liz will bend over backwards to help anyone and at the same time can be tough as nails when it requires it.
I’ve seen her literally running up stairs from LRB in the closing hours of session making sure amendments are filed and bills called on Third Readings as the clock ticks and the pressure cooker is boiling.
Liz is a gold standard when it comes legislative assistants.
It wasn’t even close. I’ve known Liz for years and she truly deserves this. Leader Jay Hoffman is fortunate to have her.
Runner-up is Torrence Gardner with Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s office. Honorable mention to Michelle Cianferri, the district office manager for Rep. Stephanie Kifowit. Both legislators nominated their staffs, which is encouraged here.
* The 2023 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best House Republican Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager goes to Karla Dirks, who works for Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond, who was among the nominators…
I nominate my LA, Karla Dirks. I’m not sure I can state it better than Kelly Cassidy, but she is incredible. She certainly has her hands full keeping me on schedule. In addition, she manages members and staff parking and travel. She is accommodating to ALL members that need a quiet spot for a quick meeting or personal time! Truly a class act!
Runner-up goes to Tina Walters in Rep. Amy Elik’s office.
Congratulations to everyone!
* On to today’s categories…
Best Democratic State Senate Staff Member
Best Republican State Senate Staff Member
This includes all legislative government and campaign staff members. Spokespersons will have their own category, but they’re still eligible here. As always, make sure to explain your nominations or they won’t count, and do your very best to nominate in both categories. Thanks.
* As I write this, we are now up to $41,368 in donations toward our $48,007 goal to help Lutheran Social Services of Illinois buy Christmas presents for foster kids. This means 1,654 children will receive gifts because of your generous donations. That’s so very awesome.
But LSSI serves 2,530 children, so there’s still a need. Please, click here and donate if you can. Thanks!!!
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 10:28 am
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SDEM-Adam White-Adam is the man behind the scenes working with the Senate on the Political side. He’s never not working, has the most insane amount of knowledge about the political world and is very humble about all of it. There have been numerous races, that without him, would have been lost. He’s instrumental to the Senate’s successes and has been a powerhouse in ensuring the Political side runs efficiently and effectively.
SGOP-Brad Carlson-Brad is always great to work with and is incredibly helpful. He knows anything and everything pertaining to Ag and Enviro issues and ensures everything runs smoothly.
Comment by Downstater Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 11:34 am
Senate Dems - Aaron Holmes.
Aaron has been a constant on staff and is a budget whiz. He is quick to help and has been a major component of President Harmon’s impressive staff. There is no one that deserves it more. In addition, he had his 43rd birthday yesterday! Happy Bday Aaron!
Senate Republicans- Matt Zimmerman.
Great guy, wicked smart.
Comment by Red Line Rambler Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 11:38 am
Senate Republicans- I nominate Cheyenne Scaife; she is always focused while handling her committees and helpful to all around her and available.
Comment by Peer Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 11:58 am
SDems - Brandy Renfro. The communications staff she has put together for the Senate Dems is far and away the best among the four caucuses. I see more press releases from that staff here on Cap Fax than anywhere else under the dome and they are seemingly always right on top of issues at the right time. There’s a reason so many of Brandy’s staff have been hired away by other agencies and, in some cases, have ended up on the governor’s staff. That shop gets things done and the SDem members should be proud of them.
SGOP - I agree with the previous poster who nominated Brad Carlson. Ditto on the reasons.
Comment by Cheeseburger in Paradise Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 12:07 pm
SDem - Matt Ziencina on the political side. Consistently draws the most difficult assignments from the caucus and remains level headed regardless. They’d be wise to keep him around for a long, long time.
SGOP - Don’t really know any of them.
Comment by West Sider Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 12:08 pm
SDEM– Matt Ziencina for exactly the reasons West Sider said.
Comment by JJJJJJJJJJ Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 12:25 pm
Senate Dems - I might have missed the window the other day, but I can’t let GH season pass without mentioning Pat Giganti. Pat passed away on March 9. Pat’s death resolution is here and worth a read if you didn’t know her or even if you did:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/103/SR/10300SR0603.htm
The capitol and the people inside of it were very important to her and her kindness and dedication set an example for us all.
Senate GOP: Scott Kaiser. Great guy, never shows when he’s having a bad day. Jolly man who is quick to help when he can and goes out of his way to make people feel important. Does so much unseen work to keep the capitol rolling, plus he’s a music video star:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1tAwWWxRD4
Comment by FSU got screwed Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 12:30 pm
SDEM - Brandy Renfro. The comms shop works with 40 very different personalities with very different legislative priorities and communications needs. She makes it look seamless and constantly professional, and she is always kind and helpful.
Comment by Wildcat12 Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 12:35 pm
Senate Dems: While there are so many deserving staffers, my heart compels to nominate my dear friend and colleague, Selena Groman. Selena has dedicated 33 years of her life to her Senate family. She has handled various tough jobs and bosses (Holland, Nottage, Madiar, me). She has always handled her job with grace and determination. She protects her staff and the information she she is privy too. Selena has always been willing to do new things but has never turned down any duty. We will miss her as she retires from the Senate.
Comment by Giovanni Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 12:44 pm
SDem - Selena Gorman. Selena has been a key figure in the SDem organization for the last 30+ years. Whether it be as an LA, Executive Assistant to the President, or (her current role) Executive Assistant to the Senate Parliamentarian….Selena has always took pride in her work and done her job spectacularly. In her current role she keeps the SDem parliamentarian on schedule and organized while making sure the legal staff keeps running. She responds to a whole host of issues for the staff and it will be impossible to find someone to fill her shoes when she leaves. She doesn’t like big congratulations, but Selena deserves this not only for her work this year but for the last 30+ years she has given to the Senate Dem Caucus and the State.
Comment by Wobblies United Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 12:53 pm
SDEM- Adding another vote for Matt Ziencina, echoing the reasons already given. A phenomenally dedicated and nice guy who gets the job done with class.
Comment by Panther Pride Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 12:58 pm
SDem - Adam White, he gets the job done.
Comment by In Negotiations Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 1:10 pm
===he gets the job done. ===
That’s a slogan, not an explanation.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 1:11 pm
Best Democratic State Senate Staff Member: It’s Mary Hanahan without a doubt. She is behind every piece of major legislation in the Senate. She does all of this while managing and training a team of attorneys under her and responding (quickly) to endless questions from other staff, members, and lobbyists. She’s also a wonderful source of comedic relief during hectic times.
Comment by CommentsByStaff Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 1:17 pm
Sen GOP: Angie Sidels. She’s a wealth of institutional knowledge, especially in the area mental health services. She also understands how to navigate the politics of working on complex and sometimes hot button policy issues.
She’s never afraid to take on an issue and has the respect of lawmakers, lobbyist and her fellow staffers.
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 1:19 pm
Senate Dems- Adam White, has been their bread and butter for the last couple of cycles. Adam has played a key role for Senate dems ,in key races, that went their way because of him
Comment by gohawks123 Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 1:22 pm
Cheyenne Scaife she works hard and always completes tasks whenever is asked of her. Cheyenne is informative and courteous to all Senators and staff.
Have seen her in action during session and she does not
miss a beat!
Senate Republicans are fortunate to have an intelligent hard worker!
Comment by Observer Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 1:25 pm
Adam White is the “go to” guy for all things to not only be competitive but win those often noncompetitive races. He is a strategic genius, statistics wizard, and often a calming voice in the midst of the storm. Hands down the winner!
Comment by Northsider Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 1:45 pm
Cheyenne Scaife is always a huge help and knowledgeable; she works great with her coworkers and Senate members. Great to have on a team!
Comment by Central Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 1:53 pm
Selena Gorman, fearless gatekeeper for the Senate Legal Review Staff. Selena is kind, caring, incredibly organized, and has a great sense of humor. She keeps the team on track during hectic session days and protects staff from overly persistent lobbyists. After over 30 years of service with the Senate Dems, Selena will be missed dearly.
Comment by At Wally’s Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 2:14 pm
Senate Dems would not(and will not)be the same without Selena Gorman. In her role she has taken on a host of responsibilities and done so in strides. She is approaching a well-deserved retirement and her absence will be felt.
Comment by Unsung Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 2:32 pm
Senate Dems - While there are many rockstars that deserve this accolade, this year’s GH should go to Selena Gorman for her 3+ decades of service to the Senate Democratic Caucus. Despite all of the ups and downs, Selena has been steadfast in her commitment to serving the caucus and the legal staff. I do not know how Giovanni will survive without her! She will be missed dearly.
Comment by Seventh Floor Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 2:37 pm
Senate Republicans- Cheyenne Scaife is a great team member and smart and SGOP is lucky to have her. She is easy to work with too.
Comment by LetItRoll Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 2:50 pm
There seem to be a lot of non-state side nominations on this post. But that wasn’t the assignment, so I’m sticking to state.
SDems– it’s really hard to limit this nomination to one person. I have to nominate both Mary Hanahan and Ashley Jenkins-Jordan. These two women are behind the scenes on literally every single thing the senate does, and have been for some time. Ashley means business and there is no one who doubts that her work will be done on time and will be done correctly–and yours better be too. Mary is frequently stuck in the middle of House and Senate and Gov back and forth, writing, editing and removing bill language on the whim of an ego only to thanklessly have to add it it back the next day when the mood of the sponsor or stakeholders shifts. Women are frequently the ones who move things along. They don’t get the credit and they don’t get the top jobs as often as they should. But everyone knows these two women are keeping this thing afloat.
SGOP- Brian Burian is respectful and thoughtful regardless of the topic and has deep institutional knowledge. I can count on him to give and relay solid info and if he reaches out he will get a response immediately from me. I know I can expect the same from him.
Comment by Who else Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 2:55 pm
I don’t know how to choose between Selena Gorman and Mary Hanahan. Both strong pillars for the Senate Dems: loyal, efficient, and sharp wit.
Comment by Yikes. Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 3:12 pm
Adam White is on political staff - I am assuming Rich will have a day to nominate political staff.
Comment by Anon... Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 4:05 pm
===I am assuming Rich will have a day to nominate political staff===
Reading is fundamental.
“This includes all legislative government and campaign staff members.”
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 4:08 pm
Sen dems. Brandy Renfro. Echoing the comment about so many of her staffers getting pulled for administration roles. Takes young college graduates and turns them into seasoned staffers in a matter of a couple years.
Comment by Staffer Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 4:10 pm
Selena Gorman. She has devoted nearly 33 years to the Illinois Senate Dems and is retiring at the end of this year. She is sad about retiring — a testament to her love and dedication to the job. She will be greatly missed!
Comment by T Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 4:34 pm
Selena Gorman for best senate staffer. She has served as a gatekeeper and valued staff member to the Sen Dems for years. Congratulations to Selena on her retirement but the Senate is going to be so lost without her.
As mentioned above — Selena has had tough bosses and assignments. She’s always handled everything that was thrown at her with a brilliant work ethic, good attitude and old school approach. She deserves this recognition for her hard work and dedication to the Senate Dem Caucus. Selena for the win!
Comment by Sleepy Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 4:43 pm
SDEM-Selena Gorman. Selena has done a fantastic job over the last 3 decades, especially serving as gatekeeper to the legal staff going back to at least 2009. You don’t get to stick around under so many Senate Presidents without being great at your job. Selena means business.
SGOP-Brad Carlson. Brad is one of the nicest and most helpful people around. We need more people like Brad.
Comment by Lobb E Yst Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 4:48 pm
Senate Dem Staffer: I nominate Selena Groman, the matriarch of the Senate legal team. The Senate legal staff has new staff each year, and Selena helps foster a collegial environment for all of the newbies and the old-timers still walking the halls. She’s patient, kind, and one of the most knowledgeable people in the Capitol. Her departure is a tremendous loss for Giovanni and the entire legal staff.
Senate GOP: Nominating Scott Kaiser. A genuinely nice person who tries to be helpful to all.
Comment by Oldtimer Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 4:52 pm
SDem–Adam White. Adam has been a key player in many Senate Dem victories over the last couple of cycles. Adam goes above and beyond coaching and teaching campaign managers, field directors, and organizers. He is a calming force behind the scenes of almost all Senate Dem races. As was previously mentioned Adam is always working and more than willing to pick up the slack anywhere that is needed. The Senate is fortunate to have Adam behind the scenes.
I do not know enough SGOP. Sorry!
Comment by Freecake Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 4:59 pm
Senate Dem:
Jon Peebles. Carries a heavy load and has the expertise and steadiness that you would expect from someone who has been there a lot longer. Also a remarkably funny dude. He’ll give you a hard time but expects you to give it right back.
Senate GOP:
Brad Carlson. He manages to stay modest, friendly, and grounded even in the heat of session. He’s been around a long time and seen a lot, but doesn’t expect rose petals thrown at his feet because of it. Knowledgeable but not an egghead…stays practical and pragmatic.
Comment by Space Cowboy Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 7:05 pm
Selena Gorman has dedicated the last three decades of her life to supporting and uplifting the values and work of the Senate Democratic Caucus. She is the best gatekeeper in the Capitol Complex and will be solely missed.
Senate Staff and Members cannot thank Selena enough for all the work she has done for the caucus! Selena — thank you for all the work you do. Good luck on your retirement. We will all miss you immensely.
Comment by Orlando Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 9:39 pm
SDEM - I nominated Selena Gorman in the LA category and this category is more fitting. When I was on SGOP staff, she was an immense help when Gio & I were working on non-partisan institutional matters and even since I’ve retired, if I email about something, I get a professional and helpful response (or we joke about something). She’s been masterful at helping both Gio & Madiar. The Senate as an institution will miss Selena after she retires. Congrats on your retirement, Selena!!!
SGOP — Bill Schneider has always been rock solid. He knows more about Criminal Law than most people ever knew existed. He works hard and looks out for the members of his caucus. He’s deserved a golden horseshoe for years but he operates in the background and goes unnoticed most of the time.
Comment by Retired Wednesday, Dec 6, 23 @ 10:47 pm