"They told me what to sign and what not to sign. They told me not to offend the big donors."
"But now, I've won re-election. This means the people approve of my course, and I have a mandate from them."
He gazed out the window, his eyes betraying a complex yearning.
He may have scorned Washington, but he still coveted that position at the pinnacle of power.
A cabinet position would be the ultimate capstone to his political career.
Before his term ended, he needed to leave something for Pennsylvania—something that would force Washington to take him seriously.
"I'm going to do something truly beneficial for Pennsylvania, my way."
"To hell with them."
Monroe's fingers tightened around his glass.
'This was the most troublesome part.'
'A governor who isn't short on cash, believes he has a popular mandate, and harbors ambitions for higher office can't be easily bought or threatened.'
"And besides,"
A shrewd glint flashed in Campbell's eyes.
