AGE: 74 OCCUPATION: Managing principal, Walton Street Capital

Last July, this real-estate magnate opened Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, which is now pumping out millions in taxes to the suburb and has created 1,300 jobs to date. Political clout helps: He counts Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Michael Madigan (No. 4) among his many allies.

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Photograph: Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune