6. Richard Schaffer

The kingmaker really did it in 2005 when Brian Foley became the new Brookhaven Town Supervisor, toppling the Republican juggernaut that for more than three decades ruled the land. At this point, Schaffer is running out of things to prove. His well-known dislike of Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi could prove to be damaging to Suozzi’s gubernatorial run. It does not appear that he will work to boost Suozzi’s Suffolk support, instead leaning toward Eliot Spitzer in the race. Now, let’s see how Schaffer begins to maneuver for the presidential elections of 2008, a race that may have him heading for bigger things as Senator Hillary Clinton jockeys for position. Let the games begin.