The 2011 TIME 100 Poll

Cast your votes for the leaders, artists, innovators, icons and heroes that you think are the most influential people in the world. Though official voting for inclusion on the TIME 100 list has now closed (with Rain as the 2011 readers' choice), users can continue to vote for their favorites until the final list, selected by our editors, is revealed on Thursday, April 21st

TIME 100 Candidates

Charles and David Koch

By TIME StaffMonday, Apr. 04, 2011
dek
From left: Larry W. Smith / Polaris; Sonia Moskowitz / Globe Photos / ZUMApress

Ages: Charles, 75; David, 70
Occupations: Charles, chairman and CEO of Koch Industries; David, executive VP of Koch Industries
Previous TIME 100 appearances: 1

The longtime backers of libertarian causes became infamous in liberal circles after a searing New Yorker exposé revealed their vast network of influence. Owners of a private conglomerate based in Wichita, Kans., the billionaire Koch (pronounced Coke) brothers have showered cash on conservative candidates, free-market think tanks and pro-business advocacy groups. Their largesse has helped train Tea Party activists and rallied opposition to key Obama Administration bills like health care reform and cap and trade. Buoyed by their success, they're reportedly ready to shell out nearly $100 million to spread their message in 2012.

Next Michael Tilson Thomas