Winner: A C Wharton

Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton is so well respected that some community leaders sought to draft him to run for city mayor. Wharton gets credit from many for initiatives like his efforts to overhaul emergency services. But it may be his cool, calm demeanor that most attracts Memphians. Says Rhodes College political professor Michael Nelson: “He combines a brilliant head with a big heart in ways that people of all races, classes, and political persuasions can recognize.”

It’s not enough that readers think Wharton is the best politician in town; they actually like him, too. More than any other Memphian by our poll.

Finalists: Mark Goodfellow, Dave Brown