Chapter 5.

Meanwhile the Governor was talking to Abby. "Jed you know what I say 1 term 1 term only. Your health can't handle 2."

"And if my health is fine by the time it comes around I ask you at least consider it. But ill always put my health first hun. But this country needs an honest president for once. And I want to give this country as much of myself as I can. We are building up a team that will help me in every way possible. I know with their help and yours we can do it."

Abby shook her head knowing her husband was stubborn. "Lets take this 1 day at a time. If when the time comes we will talk about it. But not before than. If you are at least stable yes I agree you can run again. But 1 term needs to be the goal for now and you don't need to lie to your team about it. Do you have to tell the public no but your team needs to know the truth."

" Thank you I'm glad your at least open to the idea. I just hope these people see in me what I do. Cause I know my potential and I want to be able to reach my potential."

Meanwhile on the other side of town Leo was contemplating what to say to Josh on the phone. He knew that Josh stayed up late. And with the Hoynes campaign in full swing hes bound to be awake.

Question is how do I ask without making him feel obligated to come join. I don't want him to come on board just to make me happy. I want him to do what he wants. Just ask him and do as I and the governor planned to do. He picks up the phone and dials the number he knows by heart.

"Leo Leo Leo. I'm surprised it took you so long to call. Whats up, ready to come to our side of the tracks yet. Governor Bartlett seems like he would be annoying you to much" Says hoynes

Leos face grew red with anger no one talks about his friend like that no one. "Was calling to talk to Josh. And no I don't plan on changing sides. Last time I checked my friend has an election to win"

He could hear Hoynes laughing it irked him so much. "Laugh all you want we aren't

the ones who picked a food fight with a person who tripped in the cafeteria and had food splattered all over you.

Josh comes on the line "What in the world did you say that got him laughing his head off 1 moment than red in the face the next."

Leo was happy hearing that "No one talks about a friend of mine the way he did no one. I said that Governor has an election to win. That's what got him laughing and than I brought up the food fight he started when CJ Cregg tripped splattering food all over him which made him angry I'm guessing."

Josh was laughing so hard he hadn't heard that one yet. And Hoynes was glaring at him "It's not funny Josh your supposed to be on my side. I think I'm gonna head home lock up when your done"

" Yes Sir."

Leo shook his head Hoynes seems very bossy. Of course he is the boss around there but he didn't have to criticize Josh for joking along with a friend. Even if it was his opponent. "Josh I was wondering if its possible to meet up for lunch tomorrow. I want to say this please do not say no right away. I would like to offer you a job on our campaign as deputy chief of staff. You would work directly under me. You would also have more responsibility than you do now. Your going places Josh and I want to help you get there. This guy is the real thing."

Josh was in absolute shock this is one of the last things he was expecting. Can he leave Hoynes like that. The only way he could do it was if he really thought that Governor Bartlett was the real thing. "I would like to hear him in person before I make a decision even than I'll need to think about it. Can't believe I'm considering this. But you know me better than most. And if you think that this guy will take me places I may as well at least consider it."

"I understand would you like to meet up tomorrow for dinner and we can discuss it. I'm meeting with a potential press secretary for lunch."

Josh looked at his schedule "Sure I actually get off tomorrow at 5 so how about La Rosas on vine at 7pm"

Leo looked at calendar " yep that should be fine thank you josh. Your father would be so proud of you and I'm even more proud of all you have accomplished in life."

When he hung up he realized he probably shouldn't of said that last line. Maybe Josh will now feel obligated to come work for us he really hopes not. He knew Josh would come under disguise. He would be emailing me details tomorrow. He suspected that John would figure it out and try to keep Josh at the office but if need be Josh could come to his house that evening.

At Josh's he sat on his bed looking around his apartment was small but fit his needs. But he couldn't help but wonder could it be much better. I want to work for the Governor and Leo but I also don't want to betray John. But if it means soothing my concience and if this is the right guy. I need to do it. I want to make sure the right guy at least has a fighting chance. From research he knew the governor fought in Vietnam had a purple heart and a medal of honor. Both for saving his dads best friends life. Is that alone put him in a position to deserve the job of president. But is he able to serve is the question.

Leo decided to call the governor and give him an update "Hey governor just thought I would call and let you know I have scheduled an interview with both tomorrow CJ at noon and Josh at 7pm or possibly later. They are both hesitant but are willing to consider. Josh wants to hear you in person."

The governor nodded knowingly he had expected as much "Okay don't hold anything back tell them the full truth on whatever they ask. Also when talking to CJ make sure to let her know that I don't plan on holding anything back from the public."

"Lets get out there and win this."