31. Former Gov. Tim Kaine

Former Gov. George Allen raises $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2011. Kaine raises $2.25 million in the second. A June poll shows Kaine just one point ahead of Allen, his rival for a U.S. Senate seat. Expect the same neck-and-neck race through 2012, political analysts say. But we get the feeling Richmond’s rooting for Kaine, a longtime North Side resident who got his political start as a city councilman and mayor, and paved the way for President Barack Obama to claim Virginia in 2008.

2010 Ranking:36

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