29. Legis. Peter Schmitt

Perhaps Nassau County Executive and gubernatorial candidate Tom Suozzi’s harshest critic, the outspoken Republican minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature almost became its presiding officer a few months ago, in a political game of musical chairs that allied two Dems with his side. The coup was unsuccessful, but revealed the deep cracks within the Nassau Democratic Party. It also brought ire to Suozzi and cost taxpayers, as the county’s legislative process temporarily ground to a halt. As Suozzi’s campaign to the governor’s mansion continues, who knows what other tricks this GOP strongman may have up his sleeve.