AGE: 45
OCCUPATION: Republican whip, U.S. House of Representatives
PREVIOUS APPEARANCES ON THE TIME 100: 0
PRO: During the bank meltdown, he emerged as one of the Democrats' most vocal critics — and became one of the GOP's few breakout stars. Now he's taking the lead on the Republican housing plan.
CON: For a guy who enjoys accusing others of partisanship, he hasn't done much reaching across the aisle.