Steve Israel

Now in his fifth term representing the Second District, Steve Israel has become a true congressional powerhouse, serving on the Select Intelligence Oversight panel, whose 13 members review the top-secret budgets and programs of the U.S. intelligence community. If there’s a pressing homeland security issue, Israel is right in the middle of it. Israel is also on the House Appropriations Committee, where the money is, and is on the important Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the Army Corps of Engineers. When the storm waters of the Long Island Sound recently cut off Eaton’s Neck from Asharoken, the congressman made sure the Army Corps was ready to wade into the breach. He’s also an innovator on energy issues, coming up with the successful “Cash for Clunkers” program as well as sponsoring an initiative to spread solar power technology to villages in developing countries. The congressman topped the short list of Democrats thinking about challenging appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a primary, but, under pressure from President Obama, he withdrew. Think he was disappointed? He can take it; after all, he’s a lifelong Mets fan.

Inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2010