The list: 101 top influential leaders in the U.S

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, June, 2008

Our Prediction:

In January, Martinez endorsed Sen. John McCain in his bid for the Republican nomination, citing McCain's stance on national security and economic and foreign policy. If McCain wins the White House, look to Martinez to become a more powerful political player.

Contact: U.S. Senate (202) 224-3041

057 U.S.A U.S. CONGRESS-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE 2008! AGE: 71

JOHN S. MCCAIN

Republican Party nominee for U.S. President

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Education: U.S. Naval Academy

Residence: Phoenix, Arizona

CHANCES OF MAKING THE LIST NEXT YEAR: High

Who he is:

John S. McCain III, like his father and grandfather, made the military his career and joined the Navy. In 1967 during the Vietnam War, the naval aviator was shot down, badly injured and captured by the North Vietnamese. He spent 5 1/2 years as a prisoner of war, where he was repeatedly tortured, before being released in 1973. After he retired from the military as a captain in 198 I, the highly decorated veteran eventually settled in Arizona and was elected to two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and then four terms in the U.S. Senate.

Why she made the list: As the presumptive Republican party nominee in the 2008 presidential election, McCain sits on the precipice of power. He will wage a strong battle against the Democratic nominee. And, there is no doubt he is heavily courting the Hispanic vote: On May 5, he launched a Spanish-language website. He also has said he will attend the National Council for La Raza's convention in July. In 2006 (along with Sen. Ted Kennedy), he sponsored an immigration bill that included a path to citizenship that failed to get to Congress. McCain has since emphasized the need for secure borders. Generally considered a "maverick," he tends to lean toward a more conservative agenda, according to political pundits.

What he brings for Latinos:

The Arizona senator lives in a border state and is familiar with the myriad facets of the illegal immigration debate. While some Republicans were preaching strong anti-immigration rhetoric, McCain's stance did not alienate many Hispanics.

Our Prediction:

Depending on how voters align themselves on the different issues, McCain has a solid shot at the 23 percent who (according to the Pew Hispanic Center) identify themselves as Republicans. But, he also will attract some Hispanic Democrats.

Contact: U.S. Senate office (202) 224-2235

058 MEXICO PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS AGE: 64

ELISEO MEDINA

Executive Vice President, Service Employees International UNION (SEIU)

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Education: 8th Grade

Residence: Oxnard, California

CHANCES OF MAKING THE LIST NEXT YEAR: High

Who he is:

As a boy, Medina crossed the U.S.-Mexican border with his mother and siblings to join his laborer father. Medina's experience as a laborer inspired him to join Cesar Chavez in the famed UFW strike in the 1960s. In 1989, thousands of immigrant workers marching through the towers of Century City were attacked and badly beaten by the Los Angeles police, resulting in a huge city uproar and pressure on contractors to sign union agreements. They were represented by SEIU. Today, Medina is a leader in SEIU, the nation's largest labor union.