Chapter 6.

Leo in the governor sat in his office talking trying to figure out exactly what to say to CJ. " Tell her the truth Leo. She deserves that much. Abby suggested if shes not willing to accept my health, than she doesn't need to be on the team. I don't want to deceive anyone especially those who are going to work for me. Josh deserves to know the truth also. Even if he takes it straight to Hoynes we will go public before he has the opportunity."

Leo looked shocked he never thought the Governor would want to be so straightforward on his health. But than again he is right it is for the better that the news is gotten out now rather than later. And I'm sure Josh will appreciate the fact the governor was willing to tell him the whole truth despite the fact he worked for his opponent.

A few hours later he was sitting at Jimmy Johns nervous, and working on what to say exactly. He knew to tell the truth. She is going to ask whether there is anything damaging that could affect the campaign. Cause it will affect her future job applications if she doesn't know how to respond to the reporters when the time comes.

When CJ and Claurice reached the table Leo stoop up in greeting. " Hello CJ how are you? Thank you for coming on such short notice."

"Your very welcome. I hope you don't mind that I brought My daughter Claurice with me. The baby sitter had called in very sick. And couldn't find another baby sitter on such short notice."

The little girl looked up all of a sudden she couldn't be more than 2 she had big blue eyes and golden curly hair. She was absolutely adorable. "Hi there Mr. Mcgary it's nice to meet you."

"Please call me Leo and its very nice to meet you also. And it's no problem at all. I love meeting young children especially those with bright minds like Claurice obviously has."

CJ smiled very grateful that bringing her daughter wasn't a problem. They took a seat and ordered their food, Leo offered to pay but CJ refused saying she was good. After food was ordered they started talking."

"Leo I do want to say something ahead of time. My daughter and any family I have in the future will be my first priority. When we go on trips she will need to come along. Ill make sure that she stays out of everyone's hair. There maybe days I need to bring her into the office and will do my best to make sure that she stays out of everyone's way also during those times."

Leo nodded knowingly he would be the same way if Mallory was that young "It shouldn't be a problem."

" In that case I'm willing to take the job if you guys are sure. This has been a dream of mine since I started out in journalism. I have my 2 week notice ready to hand into my boss when given the word."

Leo smiled " Well there's a few things the governor wanted me to let you know ahead of time. He doesn't want to keep anything from the press or the public. Nothing about him or this administration will be off limits."

CJ shook her head this is a first. A politician who doesn't want to keep anything from the public. This could be interesting but could also make things a bit complicated. " He does realize this could go either way for him right. Some will like the fact hes being honest. But being to honest could hurt him. Unless we find a way to educate the people on the issues at hand."

"Ok there is 1 more big thing that you should know about, that the governor insisted that I tell you before you take the job. He wants all staff knowing about this but especially the senior staff before this goes public. He has Multiple Sclerosis which is the deterioration of the brain. It is in remission right now, but it can and will come back its just a matter of time. His last episode was 5 years ago and it was very minor so far they occur about every 5 years but the doctor says as he gets older the more often they will occur. But I believe with the right group of people behind him I believe he will make a great president. I have known him for many of years and he can be one of the best if not the best. He is an amazing man and would make an amazing president."

CJ looked at him in absolute shock. Governor Bartlett has MS she would never of thought that she had done a few articles on him in her time. But as Leo says it will only get worse over time. But as Leo says with the right team behind him we can do it. I wonder who else they have planned for the team may as well ask. "This shouldn't be a problem, when the time comes we will educate the people on it and also show them what he did as governor and what he is capable of doing as president despite his disability. That he will not let his MS identify who he is. May I ask who you might have planned for any other spot on the Senior Staff."

Leo looked back at her in shock he had expected some hesitancy not this. "So far your the first we have interviewed. We are looking to see if we can get Joshua Lyman to leave Hoynes campaign and come work for us as Deputy Chief of staff but that's the only other one we are considering at the moment. So your ok about going public on this?"

CJ nodded "Yes sir, As long as he is certain. I think this would be something that could help him in many ways more than hurt him. It will give somebody for the handicapped and mentally disabled to look up to, to inspire to become. It will give them someone in politics to identify with. That if he can do it so can they. It will give people a boost of confidence they may need. They need somebody they can look up to."

Leo smiled "I'm guessing your the person we can count on to get the job done."

CJ nodded and gave her biggest smile yet while looking down at her daughter who had fallen asleep. "Yes sir, I'll do my best not to let you guys down. Thank you so much for the opportunity."

Leo stood up "It was very nice meeting you and little Claurice. I look forward to working with you. When would you like to get started?"

"How about 2 and a half weeks from now give me time to put my notice in and get situated before coming to work for you guys."

"Sounds perfect, lets go get this man elected."