The Influential Staffers

There are lots of folks working behind the scenes -- and not so far behind the scenes--- that keep much of State government operating.  While the politicians may be the face of state government, and the lobbyists the money, there are group of state and legislative employees that really make things happen.  I've put together a list of 10 that rise to the top of the heap. Here are the top 5, with the next 5 to come.

• 1. Becky Wyke Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) She controls the money. She is smart. She has been around for a long-time and she is not particularly afraid of anyone. The Matron of Money gets top billing on my list.
• 2. Jack Cashman, Look, the guy has no title as far as I can tell. When you do see him, his lips are rarely more than 3 inches from the Governor's ear. And, Jack can work the republicans in the Legislature better than most republicans. He is also one of the few folks that give the old guard (democrats) any hope that the Governor has not been completely brainwashed by the progressives.
• 3. Toby McGrath, Chief of Staff, Speaker of the House - Smart, likeable and dependable. There aren't a lot of those in the world, and Toby is one of those guys. In addition to being the "guy" for Speaker Cummings, he has strong relationships with staff, lobbyists and other elected officials regardless of party. He is a little young, but definitely wields clout in the inner workings of the Legislature.
• 4. Rick McCarthy, Chief of Staff Senate President- A lot like Toby, but with a decade more experience. He is seen as fair, and well-liked on both sides of the aisle. He has tremendous amounts of patience, which allows him to survive in a Senate caucus that has enough egos to power the State of Maine for a year.
• 5. Grant Pennoyer, Director of the Office of Fiscal and Program Review - Imagine being unassuming, attentive and patient while working for a bunch of elected officials ranging from brilliant, ego maniacs to folks who use an "X" to sign their name. That's Grant. More important though, is the fact that Grant is the decider, more or less. His office is the place where all of the legislative proposals get a price tag attached to them. Those decisions more often than not decide the fate of a Legislator's proposal.

Thanks to readers for their suggestions, especially "X", who wishes to remain anonymous, which I can understand.  You have a few days to try and influence the next 5, so send me your influential staffer suggestions to politickerme@aol.com