33. Judy Jacobs

Despite periodic rumors about her overthrow, Jacobs continues to lead the Democratic caucus and broker key compromises between the majority and the GOP. She got a 2005 budget
agreement that resolved some sticky issues, and even had the wherewithal to go against the county executive by pushing whistle-blower protections in the wake of the Sylver scandal. Her indestructibility notwithstanding, Jacobs will find her power eclipsed by the Suozzi machine over the coming year.