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John Hardy "Johnny" Isakson

Government
What he does: U.S. Senator (R-Ga.)
In position since: 2005
Why he is powerful: Senator Isakson, a real estate broker, worked to extend the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and establish a new $6,500 tax credit for "move-up" buyers (who have lived in their current homes for five years or more). Both credits will sunset on Apr. 30. While the program helped stimulate purchases, critics say it only inflates the housing market.

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