I often hear that in Los Angeles, celebrity is power; in New York, money is power; and in Washington, power is power. There are, of course, exceptions. But I’m more interested in what it takes to become powerful no matter what city or country you call home. In this, our Power Issue, we turn our attention to the region’s most influential personalities, the places they dine, the events they attend, the stylists who give them their signature looks, and the armies of nannies, PR people, assistants, diction coaches, and personal trainers that keep their calendars full and their engines running at optimum speed. We start with the Power 100, a select list of the region’s major movers and shakers. While we do give a nod to several top politicos (the lawyers, lobbyists, and political players who’ve made the District’s power wheels spin this year), they’re not our entire focus. It would be too easy to fill a Washington power list with a roster of Cabinet members and senators. We also highlight players in finance, media, philanthropy, real estate and development, technology, and the arts. You’ll see that in Washington, power is knowledge, influence, access, and the perception of power – and while it often helps, wealth doesn’t beget power on its own. Nothing attracts (and displays) influence better than a presidential election. As veteran scribe Roland Flamini points out, the stakes are high – not only for the candidates, but also for the backers and fundraisers who hitch wagons to their favorite candidate. Find out who has the most to gain and lose in the upcoming election and why so many Washingtonians are backing multiple candidates. Where there is moving and shaking, there is struggle – nothing is free in this town. Earth Conservation Corps Chairman Bob Nixon talks about the current battle underway for the rights to develop, or preserve, Anacostia National Park at Poplar Point. The 70-acre wetland habitat is at the center of a civic battle between conservationists and developers, who want to turn it into another National Harbour. We also highlight (pun intended) some of the area’s top hair stylists and colorists this issue. Laugh if you like, but when Hillary, Condi, and Laura need a trim, they put their trust in the very capable hands of these top hair specialists. We’re sure these pros are privy to more secrets than the CIA. The way you dress can also convey that you are running the show. Fashion photographer Tim Coburn and stylists James Cornwell and Lana Orloff bring some of the most eye-catching wemean- business suits for men and women to our pages. Thanks to the team at the Gaylord National Hotel for letting us shoot at their amazing new location at the National Harbor. In Nightlife, we sample the best wine bars in the area, while WL Insider shows us how to “art up” our lives, and Around Town pays a visit to the Washington social set. Social Power loves company (and a good cause), as evidenced in the high-octane exclusive and sponsored events we bring you in this issue. International non-profit Vital Voices Global Partnership once again brought out a galaxy of female star power: in attendence were Laura Bush, Angelina Jolie, Carly Fiorina, and co-chairs Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and Hillary Rodham Clinton, all of whom grace our pages this month.

Kuwait Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah and his wife Rima are no strangers to power as evidenced on our cover. We have the exclusive on the Kuwait- America Foundation gala dinner for Malaria No More, which drew the President, First Lady, Secretary of State, Supreme Court Justices, and much of the Cabinet – along with some of the nation’s most powerful business leaders. We were also a proud sponsor of events hosted by the Phillips Collection, the March of Dimes Gourmet, and The Children’s National Medical Center and had exclusive coverage of the Nationals Opening Day VIP reception. Mark your calendar for the following WL-sponsored events in May: The Kennedy Center Spring Gala, The Mosaic Foundation Dinner, the Cultural Development Corporation Benefit, the Inaugural Benefit Luncheon for the Trust for the National Mall, the McLean Project for the Arts Spring Benefit, and the 20th Annual Garden Party to Benefit Woodrow Wilson House. All of these evidence the power of a good cause ....