“I guess what I’m trying to say,” he continued on a serious note, “is that from where I sit, GO Thomas is no better or no worse than any other politician. Sure he speaks his mind. And I guess if the Federal government tries to pull a fast one on those boys the FBI have in custody, he’ll do everything he can to see they get a fair trial. But other than that, as far as I’m concerned, he’s just another rich guy who has more money and time on his hands then he knows what to do with.”

With a new target for his anger, West turned from Sergeant Lightfoot to Tillman. “He gave you a job, didn’t he?” West thundered. “I mean, this state was headed down the tubes when GO Thomas took over his father’s failing business. If it hadn’t been for him, we’d all be a whole lot poorer.”

It was Fran Meranno’s turn to chime in. “That’s what he’d like us all to believe, you know,” she told West. Then, looking at the others, she continued in a tone that let everyone know she was anything but a fan of GO Thomas. “Far as I’m concerned he’s no better than any of the politicians in Washington, D.C., that he’s always criticizing. Look at who he’s always hanging out with. He all but financed his own campaign this last time, not to mention doing the same for better than half the folks in the State House.”

“So what?” West countered. “He’s interested in supporting good people who’ll stand up for those values that have made this country what it is. He’s looking out for our interests since we can’t do it ourselves.”

“Our interests?” Meranno all but shrieked. “Who died and appointed him God? Who is he to stand there on television and tell me and every woman in this state that we have no right to have an abortion simply because it goes against His conscience.” Quickly turning to Nancy, Fran Meranno continued to drive her point home. “If he had his way, I’d have three waiting for me at home, instead of just two.”