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The following exerpt about Bradley Tusk making the 40 under 40 Rising Stars list appeared in Chicago Business in 2003.

Tell Bradley Tusk that he's disliked from one end of Illinois to the other and the rejoinder is immediate: "Except by the people." That's how it is for the fast-rising political hotshot who's become l'enfant terrible of the Blagojevich administration.

Mr. Tusk oversees a massive chunk of state government, from the Bureau of the Budget to legislative affairs, while also setting the governor's message for the outside world. That makes him as inside as you can get in Illinois government -- and a prime target for those who suggest the Blagojevich administration is more interested in smashing its way to victory than engaging in the nuances of democracy.

When legislators last spring balked at approving a $2-billion pension financing scheme crucial to the new governor's first budget, Mr. Tusk helped organize tens of thousands of calls to reluctant lawmakers, making him permanent enemies on the GOP side of the aisle.

Mr. Tusk shrugs it off. "If we didn't break the (Republican) caucus, that's $2 billion we wouldn't have," he says.

Though the native New Yorker's accent and experience as an aide to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., underline his hardball demeanor, his actions are more intensely focused than mean-spirited.

"Every administration should have one idealistic and doggedly loyal young staffer to keep the administration energized and give it political edge," says state Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Hinsdale. "Brad Tusk plays that role very well."

Meanwhile, at least Mr. Tusk is having a good time. Says the University of Chicago Law School graduate, "For the first time in my life, the thought of what's next on advancing (my career) doesn't enter my life much."

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