Chapter 509 - 236: Secret Plot
"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.
"That Leo Wallace... his ability to mobilize people is formidable. His influence in the Rust Belt is starting to surpass all of ours."
"If I sign this bill, he’ll owe me a favor."
"Those Union votes, that fervent populist base... they’ll be indebted to me."
"This could become future political capital for my family, or... it could help me get *you* into that position."
Campbell looked at Monroe, his expression full of paternalistic concern.
"Aston, you’re the future. By doing this, I’m paving the way for you."
"If we can absorb this movement into the orbit of our Establishment Faction, our position in Pennsylvania will be solidified."
Monroe looked at the Governor’s face, which was filled with the "glow of the Saints" and "political wisdom," and cursed him in his head.
"You’re right, Governor."
Monroe set down his glass, his face a mask of deep appreciation.
"This is a momentous decision."
"This will be your most brilliant political legacy."
"I will give you my full support to get this bill passed in the State Assembly."
Campbell nodded, satisfied.
"Excellent, Aston."
"Go and make the preparations. I’m going to announce this personally at the State of the State address next week."
"I want everyone in Pennsylvania to know that their Governor stands with them, always."
...
Aston Monroe walked down the deep-red-carpeted corridor of the Governor’s Mansion.
He pushed open the heavy main doors of the mansion. A gust of cold wind shot down his collar, rapidly dispelling the warmth from the brandy.
He found his black Lincoln in the parking lot, pulled open the door, and slid into the back seat.
Monroe took out his phone and dialed Leo Wallace’s number.
The call connected quickly.
"Leo, congratulations. Governor Bob Campbell is very interested in your bill."
Monroe said slowly, "Bob plans to personally announce his support for this legislation to the entire state during his State of the State address next week."
"This is a huge win for you. You can use the Governor’s executive power to fast-track the bill. You don’t have to worry about its legitimacy anymore. You should be popping a bottle of champagne to celebrate."
The other end of the line went silent.
"I’m not happy."
Leo’s voice came through the receiver.
"Why?" Monroe retorted.
"I said, I’m not happy," Leo repeated. "If that old man is the one pushing this bill, I have no reason to be happy at all."
"Oh? So, you’re not planning to abandon me?"
Monroe let out a short laugh.
"As long as the outcome is the same, does it really matter who signs the document? What, is there a ’good’ version and a ’bad’ version of the bill in your eyes?"
"The bill itself isn’t good or bad, but the people who push it are."
Leo’s voice grew heavy.
"Campbell is an old-school bureaucrat. His interest right now stems from votes and political dividends."
"He won’t push it forward according to my vision. He’ll water it down during implementation."
"I can even predict that he’ll eventually make major changes to the bill and tie it up in regulations. That’s not what I want."
Leo paused.
"But you’re different from that old man."
Monroe shifted in the back seat of the car.
He watched the scenery recede outside the window, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.
"If you were the one pushing this bill, you’d go all out to prove yourself. That’s the kind of partner I need."
"Aston, to be honest," Leo’s voice came again, "Bob Campbell isn’t a competent politician."
"He’s too full of contradictions. He comes from a family of capitalists, yet he scorns the stench of money from Wall Street. He yearns for a cabinet post in Washington, yet he detests its bureaucratic air. He wants to be a reformer loved by the people, but he lacks the courage to actually offend the vested interests."
"A man like that can’t get things done."
Leo’s voice was laced with contempt.
"But you’re different."
"You know exactly what you want, and you know how to get it. You’ve operated in Philadelphia for years. You know the rules, you know people. You’re the kind of person who can actually get things done."
"We were opponents in the primary, but that was a matter of circumstance. I’ve never underestimated your capabilities, Aston."
Monroe fell silent, his heart pounding in his chest.
Having his abilities acknowledged so bluntly by a former rival—that feeling stroked a politician’s ego more than any praise ever could.
He felt a rush of validation, as if Leo had merely voiced a truth he was always destined to confront.