As 2014 comes to a close, a new Republican governor prepares to take office and a Democratic mayor launches a high-stakes re-election campaign and Twitter is more important than ever as a way to connect with younger, tech-savvy voters. It's also the place where politicos and those who watch them air grievances and upload photos of everything from congressional glamour shots (hi Aaron Shock!) to fashion faux pas (we're looking at you, Rahm). Behold, 10 of the year's most notable tweets:
1. The Rauner Chicken: After Gov.-Elect Bruce Rauner brought some fowl to a press conference, a twitter handle surfaced mocking his stunt.
Pet peeve? Bruce wants us 3 chickens to like him, but he goes and eats chicken at these funders. That is what hurts most, we have feelings — TheRaunerChicken (@RaunerChicken) June 12, 2014
2. The time Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, then thinking of challenging nemesis Rahm Emanuel for mayor, endorsed the Hulk over Superman.
@ourmaninchicago Hulk has anger management issues. Superman has abandonment issues. Hulk has guilt and remorse. SM thinks he's all that. — Karen Lewis (@KarenLewisCTU) July 10, 2014
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3. Aaron Schock on a wind turbine. Are you Schocked?
Checking out the view of the 18th district from the top of a wind turbine with @EDPRenewables Def worth the climb! pic.twitter.com/dh7YOwfnz2 — Aaron Schock (@aaronschock) August 13, 2014
Rauner arrives on his Harley at republican Day at the state fair. #RollCallontheRoad #ILgov pic.twitter.com/eDRqF2yWIr — Emily Cahn (@CahnEmily) August 14, 2014
5. The time Axe schooled an MIT professor who criticized the "stupidity of the American voter."
As one who worked hard to make ACA and its benefits clear, let me say: if you looked up "stupid" in dictionary, you'd find Gruber's picture. — David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) November 16, 2014
6. The time Michigan congressman John Dingell schooled politicians on how to tweet.
Staff has now informed me of what a Kardashian is. I'm only left with more questions. — John Dingell (@john_dingell) July 22, 2014
7. The time Rahm time-traveled back to 1994 and selected this shirt to wear front row at a Blackhawks game in 2014.
When @RahmEmanuel wears the denim shirt he bought in college, you know it's time for sports. #Blackhawks #sports pic.twitter.com/TpbVVTS6fG — BenCapraro (@BenCapraro) May 12, 2014
8. The time Rahm wished himself a happy birthday.
Wish Rahm a very happy birthday: http://t.co/VHQQlBZvuQ pic.twitter.com/ZoroUURVTm — Rahm Emanuel (@RahmEmanuel) November 29, 2014
9. The time Chris Rock told the truth.
In America, if you fraudulently sell cigarettes the cops will literally kill you but if you fraudulently sell mortgages you will get a bonus — Chris Rock (@ozchrisrock) December 4, 2014
10. The time Chicagoans temporarily blocked the Dan Ryan to protest a grand jury's decision not to indict the police officer who killed Eric Garner in a bold show of solidarity.
WATCH: Aerial footage as protesters shut down southbound lanes of Dan Ryan Expressway--> http://t.co/0WEXGgTCo8 pic.twitter.com/MQwFJYacdb — NBC Chicago (@nbcchicago) December 5, 2014