If you have clout but don't use it, are you still powerful? Madigan's juice comes from her personal popularity and consumer-friendly lawsuits targeting predatory banks and mortgage lenders. She is said to be gunning for the governor's job—and already has $3.6 million banked, three times as much as Pat Quinn (No. 70). She's playing coy, but her power, real or potential, can be measured by the line of wannabes who dare not make a move until she does.

Photograph: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE