Plus: We’ll be giving away seats to lucky winners we’ll pick at random. Click here to enter the raffle (send your name, affiliation and contact info).

Now, before you write in to complain about so-and-so not getting included, etc., etc., let’s explain a few things.

1.) If you didn’t get nominated, you didn’t get considered. The pool of contenders was chosen by you.
2.) Some (actually, many) people were not included because, in our opinion, they were already “risen”, not “rising” (For instance: Ed Henry was nominated. Funnily enough, so was Helen Thomas). So, for some of you, it’s a compliment.
3.) We did our best to limit the number of finalists from each publication, from certain beats, and from each medium (print, radio, broadcast, etc.).
4.) Most importantly, we’re well aware that the list is imperfect. We did our best. Our apologies in advance if you felt snubbed. Dorian, Inky and Patrick discussed the finalists but the finalists were mostly determined by consulting with employees at various news organizations for their insight, thoughts and advice.

Okay, so this is how it’s going work: After the jump is the list of finalists. If you’re already attending the National Press Foundation Annual Awards Dinner on February 22, let us know. Unfortunately, we’ll have to remove your name from consideration, since that means you won’t be able to sit with us (*tear*). Also, if you simply don’t want to be considered, please also let us know. Then, with the list tweaked as/if needed, we will open up voting Thursday morning and it will go through Monday.

Click below for the finalists…

continued…

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