31. Dean Skelos
2014 Power List
People who get their kicks on the soccer field at the Dean Skelos Sports Complex in Rockville Centre might not know that the man immortalized there is truly at the top of his game playing New York State politics. Skelos has served 15 terms so far in the state Senate and he’s aiming for another. He’s the undisputed Republican leader in Albany, the co-leader of an unusual bipartisan governing coalition with a few independent-minded Democrats, and an outspoken ally of Gov. Andrew Cuomo when they align on the issues that matter most to them both. As this year’s legislative session was coming to a close, it was Skelos’ switch in favor of medical marijuana legislation amended to his and the governor’s liking that helped carry the day. And Skelos has made no secret that he’s glad the Democratic Cuomo shares his party’s goals of reducing taxes, curbing spending and making the state friendlier to business. If Long Island’s state Senate delegation remains firmly behind him come Election Day as they do now it will be a true tribute to his political prowess.