7. Alfonse D’Amato

He has not gone anywhere, folks. Just because he is not in office does not mean he ain’t still Sen. Al. As time passes, D’Amato continues to build on his legacy of being the ultimate power broker. His lobbying firm, Park Strategies LLC, continues to represent top companies like Cablevision and Verizon. But the 2006 New York State governor’s election should be interesting. Rumor has it D’Amato—who is credited with getting Gov. George Pataki to Albany in the first place—and Pataki are warring over the next Republican candidate. But Al has said he would still be there if Pataki needs him, should the governor decide to run for president in 2008. D’Amato has the juice to turn the tides. Put your money on his horse.