21. N.Y. State Sen. Michael Balboni
2006 Power List
As the head of the State Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Balboni is well-positioned to build up his profile statewide, but has remained pretty low-key. His decision to keep out of the attorney general’s race caused a few eyebrows to be raised in wonder. As a senator, he works well with LI colleagues to bring the goods home to his constituents and the rest of the state. But you have to wonder if this is the last stop for Balboni, who has the promise that is so desperately needed in a struggling Republican Party.