Top of the Town 2012

Alas, he’s not up for re-election this year, but Colorado’s secretary of state has riled up almost everyone—even fellow Republicans—since winning his seat in 2010. (Gessler got our nod in this category in 2011 as well; perhaps if we say it enough, it will come true.) Although his office is supposed to ensure that state-operated functions, namely elections, run fairly, Gessler seems more inclined toward the Fox News definition of “fair and balanced.” His numerous clumsy and partisan attempts to uncover election shenanigans in a state that’s never really had election shenanigans make him that particularly scary kind of politician: the kind with reckless ambition. scottgessler.com, sos.state.co.us