Looking ahead at 2009, PolitickerMA.com asked several political insiders and observers who to watch in 2009. Here is a breakdown of the ones they're keeping an eye on.

Who did we miss? The comment section awaits below.

Martha Coakley - The attorney general remains extremely popular among Bay State Democrats and has fanned the flames of speculation about her eyeing higher office. At one of the breakfasts at the Democratic National Convention this summer, Coakley received one of the largest ovations after her remarks. She also continues to fundraise like crazy and may be approaching $800,000 in her war chest. Coakley could look to capitalize on Massachusetts' numerous Hillary Clinton supporters. Her recent indictment of House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi's confidant Richard Vitale, however, has gotten mixed reviews. One well-placed source called it "ballsy" and another pointed out that she may be making more friends than enemies, a common problem for attorney generals, as Tom Reilly demonstrated in his 2006 gubernatorial campaign.

Deborah Shah - Shah gained significant recognition this year for her managing of Sonia Chang-Diaz successful campaign to take down Dianne Wilkerson. Held in high regard among the Democratic organization, look for Shah to emerge on a municipal race in 2009 and don't bet against her candidate.

Jon Favreau - May have had one of the biggest impacts on national politics this year as President-elect Barack Obama's wonder kid speech writer. Originally from North Reading, Favreau also made news for this controversial photograph and got this nice write up in the Boston Globe.

Sarah Compton - Massachusetts field director for the Obama campaign. Several observers noted her effective coordination of thousands of Massachusetts volunteers who headed to New Hampshire and the campaign phone bank that called voters in Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Montana and Iowa. "It was amazing to watch," noted one Democratic operative.

Felix G. Arroyo - Was among the first to put together a campaign organization to run for Boston City Council at-large next year. City Hall insiders say he is making all the right moves and with the potential for two open at-large seats, their money is on Arroyo so far. Arroyo also reportedly has popular former state Sen. Jarrett Barrios co-chairing his campaign.

Ayanna Pressley - U.S. Sen. John Kerry's political director has been widely recognized and praised among political insiders. But with speculation that she may be considering a run for Boston City Council, Pressley could be poised to step out from behind the scenes and immediately become a favorite in the race.

Michael Sullivan - The U.S. Attorney behind the prosecutions of Dianne Wilkerson and Chuck Turner has several observers believing he is eyeing a run for the governor's office in 2010 and Republicans looking at him as a possible alternative to Charlie Baker, who has made very few moves suggesting he will run.

Sue Thompson - Former Massachusetts Democratic Party executive director, Thompson, who backed Hillary Clinton in the presidential race this year, defeated Mardee Xifaris, who backed Obama, to become a Massachusetts representative on the Democratic National Committee.

Charlotte Golar Richie - Will take over as executive director of Gov. Deval Patrick's political committee next year, replacing the popular Liz Morningstar. With the state facing tremendous debt and a national recession, Richie will be charged with helping the governor navigate difficult waters as he forges ahead toward re-election in 2010.

Robert DeLeo - As things got worse for House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and state Rep. John Rogers found himself tarred by ethical problems, DeLeo appears to be emerging as the favorite to succeed DiMasi as speaker whenever DiMasi steps down.

Tim Cahill - The ambitious state treasurer continues to make moves suggesting he might challenge Gov. Deval Patrick in the 2010 Democratic primary. The Quincy Democrat has, however, found his own ethical problems.

Ryan Williams - Mitt Romney's director of media services when he was governor, Williams went on to be U.S. Sen. John Sununu's spokesman during his unsuccessful re-election campaign in New Hampshire this year. Still young - he's in his mid-20's - and now unemployed, Republican operatives think Williams could play a significant role if the Massachusetts GOP is able to turn itself around.

Barney Keller - Criticized by many on the left, the spokesman of the Massachusetts GOP appears to be the only holdover from the current party as it heads toward new leadership. If the Massachusetts Republican Party makes any resurgence heading into the 2010 elections, and, indeed, it really has nowhere to go but up, Keller will likely play a large role. 

Sam Yoon - The Boston City Councilor continues to eye a run for mayor and is considered by many to be an up and coming start. One City Hall insider suggested that while Councilor Michael Flaherty is a known quantity, Yoon presents a new set of challenges for Menino because he could surprise and inspire people in an off-year election. More, he recently stepped up his fundraising efforts. One well-placed operative noted that while Yoon is an attractive candidate, he still has a long way to go to take on Menino. Asked who will be the top winners in 2009, the operative quickly replied, "Menino. He's still the one."