Nikki Haley
Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, may seem an unlikely figure to lead the rebirth of South Carolina's Republican Party. But when the stiletto-heeled 38-year-old bested three white men to win its gubernatorial nomination in June, she proved that the good-ol'-boy culture of Southern politics is no match for a charismatic conservative newcomer who promises to shake up the Palmetto State.
Who is your political hero/inspiration?
Margaret Thatcher.
What's your go-to political blog?
Redstate.
If you weren't working in politics, what would you be doing?
I'd be back to my roots in small business.
What's the most overlooked issue facing America these days?
Understanding that tax dollars don't belong to government, that people pay this money in and how elected officials spend it matters.
Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?
Continuing to remind people the power of their voice and that elected officials work for the people, not the other way around.