Jay Webber
Webber lost his first race at 31 — a primary challenge against a veteran Republican he dubbed "too liberal for too long." Now 38, he's the chair of the New Jersey GOP, blessed by Governor Chris Christie as "the future of the Republican Party."
Who is your political hero/inspiration?
President Ronald Reagan — I most admired and appreciated his abiding faith in America's founding principles and its people. I always will be grateful to President Reagan for allowing me to grow up in a safe and prosperous nation, and for strengthening a country that today provides our generation the opportunity to give the same to our kids.
What's your go-to political blog?
National Review Online; politickernj.com; Real Clear Politics; savejersey.com
If you weren't working in politics, what would you be doing?
I'd want to quarterback the New York Giants, but something tells me I'd have to settle for more games from the stands.
What's the most overlooked issue facing America these days?
Our state governments' unfunded liabilities in public-employee pensions and benefits. Without significant reform, they threaten taxpayers and the solvency of state budgets in the next 20 years.
Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?
My hope is that I still will be a citizen-legislator, serving the people of New Jersey in the State Legislature, if voters agree, while raising my family and practicing law.