38. Robert Gaffney

Did he quit to build his power base or is he hunkering down before all hell breaks loose? The ex-FBI agent has had his share of embarrassments lately—like a former partner’s awkward land deals and an $84 million error on the county’s health plan—and he lost his latest budget battle. But after 12 years of governing through the best of times, he’s got a full bank account of respect and goodwill. LOVE HIM for belonging to the Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. FEAR HIM for also being a member of the Society of Special Agents.