Danforth and McCaskill

An ex-Republican senator and a current Democratic senator rank in the top five of St. Louis Magazine’s latest roster of the region’s most influential players.

Former U.S. Sen. John Danforth — his “name carries the weight of Pujols’ bat” — comes in at No. 2, with Claire McCaskill – whose star rose with her early and adamant support of president-elect Barack Obama – settles in at No. 5.

The top spot though on the magazine’s “Power 08″ list goes to rental car prince Andy Taylor, chairman and chief exective of Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Mayor Francis Slay comes in at No. 11, and, unlike 2006, ahead of his chief of staff/campaign manager Jeff Rainford. (No. 14) However, both ranked behind frequent Slay critic Donald Suggs (No. 9), publisher of the St. Louis American.

Other political types to make the list include Republican uber-donor Sam Fox (No. 6), developer Paul McKee (No. 8), St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann (No. 13), U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay (No. 21), Joe Edwards, “Mayor of the Delmar Loop,” (No. 23), school-choice enthusiast Rex Sinquefield (No. 26), brothers and former aldermen Mike and Steve Roberts (No. 27), incoming State Rep. and pastor James T. Morris (No. 29) super-flak Richard Callow (No. 31), Comptroller Darlene Green (No. 43), blogger/preservanionist Michael Allen (No. 51)  and former fire chief Sherman George (No. 49).

 Loading …