Washington's most powerful women

Last year we recognized the women overhauling banking, health care, and energy policy. Now the focus is on those enforcing new laws.

A potent diplomatic enforcer for Obama, Clinton also flexes soft power, meeting with women's groups and appearing on talk shows. Her performance has ignited talk she could take over at the Pentagon next year or as Veep in 2012, and even mount a presidential bid in '16.