Michael Balboni
Hall of Fame
There is no debate that Balboni has been a popular guy for a long time. As the Republican New York State Senator from East Williston, Balboni held firm to his seat in an overwhelmingly Democratic district. But his sudden decision to join Democrat Eliot Spitzer in Albany was a massive blow. His vacated seat was easily won in a special election by a Democrat, and his decision to work for Spitzer hurt his position with the GOP. But this is why Balboni is a Power Lister. For many years, homeland security was a passion of his. In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Balboni was made chairman of a newly formed homeland security committee. When Spitzer came calling, Balboni followed his passion and his heart and did not stay married to his politics. In the end, he chose to make the move to have a positive impact on the security of New Yorkers. The GOP did not agree. But Balboni is a survivor and has made some good connections in his role as security czar of the state. Sometimes you have to take power to wield it. And once you make sacrifices for it, it is hard to let it go. Balboni put his power on the line for something he believes in. That defiance has made him a perennial Power Lister. And it will keep him going in the future.
Inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2008