Capitol power: A who’s who at the Gold Dome

LT. GOVERNOR

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle: The president of the Senate and the first Republican to run the chamber. Was considered a top contender for governor in 2010 until he backed off from the race. The former state senator from Gainesville is widely expected to be one of the front-runners in the race for governor in 2018. A prolific campaign fundraiser adept at working with both the business community and social conservatives in the past.

HOUSE

David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, speaker: The level-headed, plain-spoken country lawyer has earned high marks for leading a chamber that can be raucous and fractious at times. He faces increasing pressure from the right within his own caucus, but he has managed to maintain control when it matters. Recently settled two-year battle over a State Bar complaint, which gives him one less thing to distract him as he heads into the session. Jan Jones, R-Milton, speaker pro tem: Seen as a smart, stable leader from a politically important part of metro Atlanta. A former journalist and marketing executive, Jones is the highestranking woman in General Assembly history and was considered a possible candidate to replace U.S. Rep. Tom Price before deciding against the race. Jon Burns, R-Newington, majority leader: Elected to the post following the retirement of Larry O’Neal, R-Bonaire, Burns enters his second session in a key leadership role. Backed by Ralston, Burns has the job of bringing the caucus into line with leadership’s positions. Stacey Abrams, D-Atlanta, minority leader: Thought of as one of the brightest minds in the Legislature, Abrams, a lawyer and romance novelist, was elected minority leader in 2010 for a party that has fallen on hard times. Well respected in the House, although she’s been criticized within her own party for her willingness to work deals with Republicans on key issues. A rare Georgia Democrat to get national attention, Abrams is considered a possible candidate for governor in 2018.