He is the man behind the curtain, but this wizard has real power. Eychaner is a publicity-shy radio station owner who declines interviews and photographs but hosts the likes of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton in his massive Lincoln Park home. He gave $500,000 to the president in the 2012 election. His super PAC, Priorities USA, which backed Obama, raised more than $60 million. And he has given millions more to other Dems and for liberal causes, including gay rights, but asks nothing for himself. One insider says Eychaner just wants things to get done.

Photograph: AP IMAGES