Want to understand why Obama can't get his way with Congress? One place to start would be Representative Eric Cantor, Republicans' "Young Gun" No. 2 in the House. Cantor, the highest ranking Jewish member of Congress in history, helped lead the GOP in its year-long crusade to lower taxes and cut spending, parrying Democrats at every turn. It was Cantor whom John Boehner tapped to lead negotiations at the height of tense debt-ceiling negotiations in July, and the Majority Leader played no small role in striking budget victory after budget victory for conservatives in 2011.
From tsunamis to budget battles to revolutions, 2011 has been a tumultuous, news-packed year. Who influenced the news most, for better or worse? Tradition dictates that TIME's editors choose the Person of the Year. Now that voting has closed, view the final ratings.