Everybody knows that Congress is a contact sport, and one of the toughest new players is Tucson's very own "Gabby." The first-term lawmaker has been busy pushing solar energy and immigration reform while watching over Southern Arizona's threatened environment and dwindling water resources; she's generally credited for taking the interests of thinking Tucsonans to heart. The Democrat took over a seat that was held by the GOP for decades and has quickly made a name for herself in Washington, D.C., as someone to watch. Although she's facing a tough challenge from Republican Tim Bee this year, Giffords has a bright future ahead of her: She's only in her 30s; she's smart and dedicated; and she's married to a rocketman. There's nowhere to go but up.
Runners up:
2. Rep. Raúl Grijalva, grijalva.house.gov
3. Mayor Bob Walkup, Mayor's Web site
Sign of the impending apocalypse: Jim Click, four votes
Vote of note: "Trash collectors"