13. Frank MacKay

Who would have known that when political alchemist MacKay isn’t shaking things up in the world of sausage-making as chairman of the national, state and Suffolk County Independence parties, he’s rocking out in the musical world? MacKay is a longtime music business professional and musician, who has not only managed such artists as CJ Ramone (of punk legends The Ramones), but has interviewed, booked and supported countless bands through several decades as a concert promoter, nightclub owner and co-founder of music newspaper Network—its namesake something he has mastered the art of. Nowadays, he’s got the ear of NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and billionaire Steve Forbes. As the head of the nation’s independent voters, MacKay has the power to decide elections. Topple kings. Change the country’s course. Watch out.