"Leo, I don't know why you've come to me."
"I don't think our relationship is at that point, and we're hardly what you'd call political allies. Just a few months ago, we were bitter rivals."
"But today you show up here with a proposal that's enough to turn all of Pennsylvania upside down."
"Let me be clear: I can't do this."
"The political muscle required to push this bill is unimaginable."
"The Vice Governor can't do it."
Monroe spread his hands, gesturing to the stark emptiness of the room.
"In Pennsylvania's political structure, the Vice Governor is just a spare tire, a mascot."
"Even the Governor might not be able to do it, and he would certainly never agree."
Monroe's voice was a bit dry.
"Bob Campbell is a cautious man. He just won re-election, and now he's planning to go to Washington to seek a cabinet position."
"He won't risk pissing off insurance giants who can influence White House policy, not at a critical juncture like this."
