Bill Bradley

A former New York Knicks star turned New Jersey senator, Bradley spent years promoting a 'Fair Tax' plan of lower rates and fewer loopholes, which, combined with Republican Jack Kemp's work in the House and Reagan's backing, became the Tax Reform Act of 1986. It cut the top rate to 28 per cent while closing shelters and removing millions of low-income families from income tax. Democrats gave up high top rates; Republicans gave up loopholes valued by their donors. Many of those loopholes crept back within a decade.