16. Jay Jacobs

It has been a tumultuous year for Jacobs. The beginning of 2006 saw a coup attempt in the Legislature that resulted in then-Democratic Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs changing her voter registration to thwart the takeover bid. The fight splintered the already tenuous caucus. Then, he backed County Exec Suozzi in his attempt to move to Albany, a decision many thought put the party in jeopardy, since Suozzi had little chance of beating Spitzer in a primary. But Jacobs has held on, even retaining the legislative majority after then-Legis. Craig Johnson won a special election for state Senate. Now, the party is reaching the proverbial crossroads, and there is no room for error. Jacobs, more than ever, must be a leader in the coming year.