SPRINGFIELD — One of the privileges of being a reporter is having a front-row seat to history and, subsequently, the ability to write its first rough draft.

And wow, has 2024 produced some history.

An 81-year-old sitting president dropping his bid for reelection mid-campaign amid widespread concerns about his viability. His vice president becoming the nominee and mounting an unprecedented 100-day campaign.

On the other side, a former president who survives a criminal conviction and two assassination attempts to win back the White House for a non-consecutive second term that, given the context, has no historical analogue.

If Aaron Sorkin wrote it, it would be dismissed as too unrealistic.

But, in 2024, it was our reality.

On both counts, I guess you could say I’m thankful for proximity. 

Kidding aside, as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I am thankful to still be doing a job I love. From some presidential politics to the usual legislative shenanigans in Springfield, there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

Happy Thanksgiving, Illinois! As is tradition in this column, here’s a sampling of what some of our elected officials are thankful for this year.

“As we gather with our loved ones, let’s take a moment to appreciate the blessings that unite us.

“This year, I’m especially grateful for my family, the kindness and resilience of our communities, and the privilege to serve as your governor.”

“I have so much to be grateful for this year. I have a loving and supportive family (including chosen family), I’m in good health, and I genuinely love my job working to better the lives of Illinoisans across our state.

“I feel especially blessed that I can still spend time with my 91-year-old dad, Henry, who works on crossword puzzles and watches ‘Jeopardy!’ every day. That brings me joy!”

“I’m thankful for all of our servicemembers serving in harm’s way around the world right now.”

“If you’re a veteran or the family member of a veteran, you’ve probably heard of the Southern Illinois Honor Flight. It’s a regularly occurring, expenses-paid flight to Washington, D.C. that brings local veterans to visit their war memorials and monuments. I’ve made it priority since my first day in Congress to never miss welcoming these flights when they arrive in the nation’s capital. I am thankful for the opportunity to shake hands and share hugs with these heroes.

“I also appreciate the many supporters, volunteers, and chaperones who make the program possible. Visiting with them is truly one of my favorite parts of my job. From my family to yours, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a blessed holiday season.”

“I’m thankful that incredible women like Beth Conerty, Carly McCrory-McKay, Nicole Bateman, Laura Appenzeller and Kim Kidwell are using a $51 million federal investment to cement our region as SiliCorn Valley.”

“As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I am thankful to live in the greatest country in the world and for the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces to protect our values and preserve our freedoms.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our region in Congress and the constituents in the16th Congressional District.

“I am thankful to call Central Illinois my home, and there is nowhere else my loving wife Kristen and I would have rather raised our three sons.”

“Over the course of my life, I’ve always been thankful for the kind people of Central and Northwestern Illinois. This is home. For 22 years, I was lucky enough to live my childhood dream: being the Meteorologist, tracking sunshine and storms. Most days were easy. But the worst storms were the toughest for so many of us. Our law enforcement and first responders are always first on the scene, many times before the threat is gone.

“This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for every police officer, firefighter, and first responder who dedicates their lives to keeping us safe, no matter the weather. Many of them are away from their families on the holidays. In my role as their Representative in Washington, I am always working to find new ways to support and fund our heroes at home. Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving to all.”

“I am thankful to be in a position equipped to contribute to upholding the rule of law in the face of unprecedented threats to abuse governmental authority in a manner inconsistent with the public interest.”

“This year, I’ve been thinking about how thankful I am for my late grandmother. Grandma Roessler frequently spent her mornings at church with other women sewing quilts for the less fortunate. She seemed to spend many afternoons baking. As a kid, I liked to ‘help’ her. Bread, homemade noodles, pie, and around the holidays her kitchen would become a factory for hard candy and a variety of cookies.

“When I was younger, I was convinced I was her favorite grandchild. As an adult, I know that all her grandchildren felt that way. She had a tremendous ability to make you feel loved and special.

“At the end of her life, she was being taken to the hospital and a paramedic asked if she wanted to lie back on the gurney or to sit up. ‘Whatever is easiest for you,’ she replied. Those were the last words I know she spoke, and they sum up her attitude toward others very well.”

“Thankful for my loving family, friends, dedicated staff and trust of the voters. Blessed to still have my 89 year old mother and brother, who have both faced many health challenges. And thankful to be an American.”

“Anyone with children grown and living on their own will understand how thankful I am to get to spend some quality time with them over the Thanksgiving holiday. I am also thankful to live in Illinois, where we are a nationwide leader in combatting gun violence, preserving the right to health care access and protecting the environment.”

“I’m thankful for great friends, a wonderful family, and good health. I’m thankful and proud to live in Illinois, a place that believes in the promise of democracy and America, and I’m very thankful to the House Democratic Caucus for putting their trust in me to continue leading them for the next two years.”

“I am thankful for many things this year, especially the chance to represent my friends and neighbors as the Senator for the 41st District. I am also thankful for my amazing Senate Republican colleagues and staff who continue to place their trust in me as leader. However, none of this would be possible without the support of my family for whom I am the most grateful.”  

“The best part of the holiday is enjoying great food in good company: I am thankful for family — especially my husband Curt and puppers Molly. This year, I will be celebrating a Lions win on Thanksgiving Day (I married into it!).”

“I’m thankful for people’s kindness and words of encouragement during this past year.

“I’m thankful for family gatherings and for the smiles and laughter of grandchildren.

“I’m thankful for days when I can pal around with my wife with no specific tasks or timelines to worry about.

“And I’m always thankful that my bread dough rises on Thanksgiving morning so the dinner rolls will be baked just right.”

“I am thankful to be able to spend Thanksgiving with my family, for another year of good health, and for a productive legislative session where I was able to pass several bills that were based on issues brought to me by constituents.”

“Obviously, I’m incredibly thankful for my awesome wife and kids, amazing friends, and good health. I also want to convey our families’ sincere thanks to our first responders (and their families) for keeping the rest of us safe. Finally, as a huge college football fan, I love this time of year! I’m super excited at the success that my fellow ‘year-round shorts guy’ Coach Bret Bielema and his Illinois football team are having this year! Happy Thanksgiving to all!”

“This has been one of those ‘It was the best of times; it was the worst of times’ years. Great things to celebrate and also things to mourn. At this time of Thanksgiving I am grateful and thankful for my strong and sustainable faith that carries and supports me through both.”

“I’m thankful for the simple joys in life, like the warmth of family, the comfort of friends, a bountiful harvest, and the beauty of nature that surrounds us. I am especially thankful for the time I have been able to spend this past year with my first grandchild. Each day brings new opportunities and moments to cherish, reminding me to appreciate the little things that make life special.”

“This year, I’m thankful for my family. It’s been wonderful to spend time with my daughters and I’m looking forward to the upcoming holiday season with them. I’m also thankful for my community. We have so many wonderful people doing great things, and I’m constantly amazed at how we show up, whether it is through donating time or money or resources, we are always looking out for each other. And that’s what the holidays are all about!”