Dennis Brack/Bloomberg News

Richard Shelby

Government
What he does: U.S. Senator (R-Ala.)
In position since: 2007
Why he is powerful: With Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd retiring, next-in-line Shelby, who is currently ranking member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, might end up assuming more responsibilities during the transition. Shelby served as chairman of the committee from 2003 to 2007. The committee has been active on financial reform and has jurisdiction over banking, export promotion and controls, federal monetary policy, financial aid to commerce and industry, currency, public and private housing, and urban development.

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