Patrick McHenry
A former state assemblyman and Labor Department aide, the Republican was elected to Congress from North Carolina in 2004 at 29. Now 34, he's focused on "restoring fiscal sanity" with deregulation and a balanced budget.
Who is your political hero/inspiration, and why?
"Ronald Reagan. As a kid growing up in the 1980s, there was no one else."
What's your go-to political blog?
"Drudge Report — several times a day."
If you weren't working in politics, what would you be doing?
"Real estate investing, perhaps teaching a college course, or maybe even a fulltime NASCAR fan."
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
"Husband, father, public servant. It'll take dedication, listening, focusing on what's important, and remaining true to my principles."
What's the most overlooked issue facing America?
"We absolutely need to reform the Congressional budget-writing process. The issue of debts and deficits on our collective radar, but we need to help people understand how fixing the process will equal more economic opportunity, not more red ink."