A former Vice President turned green guru? The most popular, and powerful, man in Russia? How about a fiery Middle East leader, or the brains behind Harry Potter? Take a look at these and other possible contenders, and vote for your pick. The editors reserve the right to disagree. Their selection will be announced in the December 31st issue of TIME, on sale Dec. 21
Pro: Finished a seven-book epic that will be read by children (and lots of adults) for generations to come. Slowly creeping up on Agatha Christie as the most read author not named Shakespeare.
Con: Seventh book wasn't her best, and hard to argue she was the most important person of 2007.
