32

Fred Eychaner

Age: 69

Occupation: CEO, Newsweb Corp.

Illinois legislators Heather Steans and Greg Harris introduced the bill, and Mike Madigan (No. 2) delivered the 13 swing votes. But one of the most important backers of the same-sex marriage campaign was this reclusive printing company owner, who reminds us yet again that money absolutely influences policy (and who shoots up 17 spots on this list as a result). Long involved in Democratic politics and gay rights issues, Eychaner—who helped bankroll the PR campaign for the bill and who owns a spate of progressive talk radio stations in the area—has given more than $25 million to the Clinton Foundation, a clear signal of his thoughts for 2016.