One truism of politics is that rapid turnover is part of the game.

So who are the up-and-comers? Who are some of the most likely prospects from the Kansas City area destined to succeed in the fine art of transforming raw ambition into higher office?Mike SandersMike Sanders

Here’s my list: (Thanks to trusted sources for their input.)

Mike Sanders: No one on this list has “higher office, here I come” scrawled across his chest in brighter neon than the Jackson County executive. Kansas City mayor? Or an appointment to secretary of state should Robin Carnahan win the U.S. Senate next year? Who knows. But know this: He’s coming.

Claire McCaskill: Yea, she lives in St. Louis now. But the U.S. senator is a Kansas Citian at heart. Let’s see now, where can the woman who has long joked about her own ambition go next?

Why not make history? The Washington Post just cited her as “the best possibility” among the current generation of women office-holders to end up in the Oval Office.

First up, though, re-election in 2012. The GOP is determined not to give her a pass.

Terry Riley: A self-made politico who’s not a product of Kansas CiTerry RileyTerry Rileyty’s black “legacy” families, the city councilman could slip into a two-candidate runoff for mayor in 2011.

Then, look out. Still has to prove he’s about more than just bringing home the bacon.

Ed Eilert: The long-time Overland Park mayor and member of the Johnson County commission supposedly wants to be chair. Look out, Annabeth.

Lance Kinzer: State rep from Olathe is in his third term in the House, but already part of the GOP leadership. Respected. Conservative. Could be speaker one day.

Cindy Circo: First term Kansas City councilCindy CircoCindy Circowoman already regarded as one of its most able members. Has the right pedigree as daughter of Bill Baker, a long-time member of the Independence City Council. The challenge: overcoming four years with The Funk.

Kevin Yoder: At 33, four-term state rep from Overland Park already at a crossroads. Run for attorney general next year or stay put as chair of powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Jason Kander: Ran his head off to win the 44th District legislative seat last year. Has shown the same hustle in first year in Jeff City.

Peggy Peggy DunnPeggy DunnDunn: A Republican and mayor of Leawood, insiders say she could go to Washington someday as Dennis Moore’s successor. But, does she want to?

Paul Davis: If there’s any hope for the future for Kansas Democrats, the House minority leader from Lawrence may be it.

Victor Callahan: A state senator from Independence, the Democrat works politics with the fervor of a man fighting for his last breath. Term limited in Jeff City, Callahan could run statewide…or return to town as Jackson County executive.

Mike Talboy: The state rep from Kansas City is the Democrats’ top recruiter for the House in Jeff City. If he picks good candidates and Democrats regain a majority, Talboy could be speaker.

Jan MJan MarcasonJan Marcasonarcason: Well-respected work horse of the Kansas City Council. You know where she stands.

Ryan Silvey: The GOP state lawmaker from north of the river had the guts to stand up to the Blunt administration on fee offices. No-nonsense.

Stephanie Sharp: Former GOP state rep, now member of Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees. Has mastered the art of political communication.

Bryan Pratt, Brian Yates: Ah, the two B-boys, Pratt from Blue Springs, Yates from Lee’s Summit. On collision course for the same state Senate seat next year. Shame there’s not room for both.

Theresa Garza Ruiz: It’s not easy being the lone woman on the Jackson County Legislature. Worked with the city to implement a prostitution-free zone on Independence Avenue. That her husband works for Congressman Emanuel Cleaver means she’s connected.

To reach Steve Kraske, call 816-234-4312 or send e-mail to skraske@kcstar.com.