Readers' Picks: A Few For Whom We're Thankful

In addition to asking readers for their biggest "turkeys," we wanted to know about the leaders and organizations for whom you're most thankful. We had a lot of great nominations, and undoubtedly missed a lot of good folks out there.  Here are a few name that stood out in our pile of nominations.

• Governor Jay Nixon
  Simply put, it's nice to have a grown-up in charge. Under Nixon's common-sense fiscal leadership, Missouri is one of 11 state's Moody's says is emerging from the national recession. 
   
• The Missouri Women’s Leadership Coalition
  Honored recently as Pro-Vote's "Outstanding Progressive Community Organization," the MWLC offers training seminars all over Missouri to teach women how to run for office, conduct winning campaigns as a manager, or get their candidate elected.

• Sen. Jolie Justus
  Standing strong and fighting for progressive values is an uphill battle in the Missouri Senate, but Justus never seems to back down.
   
• Mark Jones, Political Director for AFSCME Council 72
  "Mark has always put the people whom his union represents first.  He can always be called upon to go the extra mile..to ensure that those without a voice get heard in the Missouri State Capital."

Other names we saw more than once: Rep. Mike Talboy (D-Kansas City), Rep. Rebecca McClanahan (D-Kirksville), Jason Kander (D-Kansas City), Stephen Webber (D-Columbia).