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Pollsters, academics and observers offered their best assessment.

Here are the top 10, followed by the also-rans:

Top 10

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr.

‘‘Mike Miller is Mike Miller. ... Miller at least listens to a point to these guys or to any of the Republican senators that he thinks are reasonable,” said Chris Cavey, chairman of the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee.

The president of the 47-member Senate rules with an iron fist, and lets no one forget it, lest a lawmaker find himself sitting in the corner of the Senate chamber.

‘‘Nothing happens without Mike Miller,” Ewing said. ‘‘... Miller may even be more powerful than Gov. Martin O’Malley.”

Gov. Martin O’Malley

It remains to be seen whether the former boy mayor of Baltimore will rebound for a sub-40 approval rating with voters. November’s slots referendum could be a litmus test a year after he muscled tax hikes, budget cuts and slot legislation through a special session.

But the governor is still the governor and he’s got clout to go.

‘‘He’s close to the top of everybody’s list,” said John N. Bambacus, professor emeritus at Frostburg State University.

House Speaker Michael E. Busch

Busch (D-Dist. 30) of Annapolis made everyone’s top 10 without a lot of discussion. He not only rules the 141-member House of Delegates, he also delivers for his home district. Effective? He simply is.

Nancy S. Grasmick

The S is for survivor: Few have gotten through more uncomfortable situations than the state’s schools superintendent. Grasmick refused to give up her post when people all around here called for her resignation. She stared down Martin O’Malley on standardized tests and his school board selections.

The Teflon Don, Grasmick came through it all unscathed, and wearing a fabulous wardrobe to boot.

‘‘Even though she’s a thorn in the side of our governor, she’s the number one influence of education in this state,” said Gail H. Ewing, a political science professor at Montgomery College. ‘‘And even though O’Malley has the majority of votes on the state school board, that won’t diminish her influence.”

Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.

The former governor has not let a little thing like losing office stop him. Whether discussing the left-wing leaders in the state on his Baltimore radio show or lending his presence to fundraisers for his party, Ehrlich (R) is still a force to be reckoned with.

‘‘His influence that he has now is not only within the Maryland Republican Party, but with his radio show and his financial supporters. He still has a considerable amount of influence and a considerable amount of exposure for someone who is not in office,” Chris Cavey said. ‘‘It’s hard to find someone who’s in office with the kind of exposure he has.”

Lobbyists

Collectively, their push for certain legislation can turn the wheels of government and sway a few votes along the way. Among those singled out — Gary Alexander, Jay Schwartz. ‘‘These guys are constantly involved 365 days a year,” Bambacus said.

Fundraisers

Everybody needs ’em.

These powerful men and women are the ways and means behind the politicians running for office. Working for you, they are a major benefit. Working for your opponent, you’ve lost the race.

‘‘In my humble opinion, the guys — and I don’t care which side of the aisle it is — the guys with the money are extremely influential. And it’s not because they buy somebody,” Cavey said. ‘‘... It’s the way that they are people who are captains of industry. They can round up money and money gets people’s ears.”

Among those mentioned:

*Bakery owner and developer John Paterakis Sr.

*Baltimore Orioles owner and superlawyer Peter G. Angelos: ‘‘He counts for more than owning the Orioles by a lot,” said Laslo Boyd, a partner with Gonzales Research and Marketing Strategies and occasional columnist for The Gazette.

*Former Ehrlich fundraiser Richard E. ‘‘Dick” Hug: ‘‘He knows lots of people. He knows lots of people with lots of money. He’s a very good businessman who has made a good life in his own right. And he’s a very wise man, which I can’t say about a lot of people,” Cavey said.

Norman H. Conway

Within the House, Conway (D-Dist. 38B) of Salisbury holds the purse strings. Fiscal troubles have made for tight budgets. Like his Senate counterpart, Conway is the final say on budget matters.

‘‘[Conway is] someone who’s seen as very, hardworking, deliberate and respects the budget process, but wants to make sure that government is functioning properly,” said Donald C. Fry, president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee.

Joseph C. Bryce

O’Malley’s chief legislative officer, Bryce made the list for his work with lawmakers. Whether explaining O’Malley’s methods or sitting side-by-side with lawmakers hashing out the state’s budget during last year’s special session, Bryce has what it takes.

‘‘Joe is a seasoned accomplished veteran of the legislative process,” Fry said. ‘‘... Joe is certainly somebody who understands how to keep all the balls in the air and keep them moving, particularly during the hectic ... last 10 days of the session.”

Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr.

O’Malley’s buddy has been rumored to be running for governor to comptroller and everything in between. With his leadership at the Maryland Association of Counties, Smith (D) could have the clout he needs for a statewide position.

‘‘He has God-like popularity,” Potomac Inc. pollster G. Keith Haller said. ‘‘He probably has the best relationship with the existing governor and tends to be more of a moderate conservative.”

Honorable mention

This group did not make the Top 10, but still had their share of fans. The listing is alphabetical.

Warren G. Deschenaux

The General Assembly’s chief budget analyst is important for ‘‘maintaining that independent validity that’s so critical for that legislative office to provide,” Donald Fry said.

Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot

‘‘He’s used the comptroller’s office partly as a bully pulpit to discuss issues that the state faces,” said Michael Cain, a professor at St. Mary’s College.

But on the other hand ... ‘‘There’s very little substance in his rhetoric,” Gail Ewing said. ‘‘... He gets a lot of credit, but he does very little.”

Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler

‘‘He doesn’t do much networking, but is so out front with new and innovative ideas that he forces everybody to deal with issues he wants you to deal with,” Ewing said.

U.S. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer

The House’s No. 2 Democrat is ‘‘low-key because his focus is on national affairs, but he knows what’s going on. He’s in tune with everything,” Bambacus said.

Senate Majority Leader Edward J. Kasemeyer

Because Ulysses Currie is in so much trouble, Ed will come up into more prominence,” Ewing said.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett

‘‘He’s sharp and knows public policy. He headed the Democratic Party in the state so his network is not limited to Montgomery County,” said Ronald W. Walters, a political science professor at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Media (including bloggers)

‘‘Mount a camera on three legs and some demagogue will always jump up on two,” said lobbyist Donald Murphy, a former delegate. Lawmakers look around a committee room and could ask questions based on whether there’s a camera on or a reporter scribbling, he said