Read Online Ballots and Blood by Ralph Reed - Free Book Online Page B

think you should keep all your options open. I think the country might need you in another capacity.”
    â€œSuch as?”
    â€œU.S. Senate.”
    Caulfield’s face fell. “You really think I should run against Kate?” Katherine “Kate” Covitz was a former congresswoman and two-term senator. Married to a wealthy real estate developer, she was a prodigious fund-raiser and true-blue liberal, far to the left of Long.
    â€œShe doesn’t even want to be a senator,” said Long, sliding to the edge of his seat. “She traded her vote for a committee chairmanship. Now she votes however Stanley tells her to. She’s checked out. Unless you’re the sultan of Brunei, you can’t even get a meeting with her.”
    â€œThat’s funny . . . I’ve heard the same thing from our people in DC.”
    â€œIt’s true. I’m telling you, California’s only has one United States senator for all practical purposes. Kate’s the third senator from New Jersey. She’s got to go.”
    â€œBut Mr. President, she’ll have strong support in a Democratic primary,” Caulfield objected. “She’s got the feminists, the labor unions, the Jewish community, and the Latino community wrapped around her finger.”
    â€œI’m not talking about the primary,” replied Long, his eyes hooded.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œRun as an independent.”
    Caulfield looked like he had been punched in the gut. “Are you serious?”
    â€œAs a heart attack.”
    â€œYou’re about to give me a heart attack.”
    Long laughed. His fish about to jump the hook, he decided to put some slack in the line. “Mack, I know it’s a lot to consider. Take some time to think on it. But the wave I rode to the White House is still cresting. People are tired of partisanship, career politicians, and business as usual. They want to throw the bums out. They want to tear down the system and start over.”
    â€œKate’s a tough customer,” said Caulfield.
    â€œI know, but she’s the past. You’re the future. You’d beat her like a drum.”
    Caulfield’s eyes narrowed. “It would be the first really tough race she’s ever had, that’s for sure.” He leaned forward. Long sensed he was ready to deal. “Mr. President, nothing in politics is guaranteed. If I ran, I could lose. If that were to happen, I’m assuming there would be an opportunity to serve in some other capacity?”
    Long raised one corner of his mouth. “If for any reason you didn’t make it, we’ll come up with a Plan B. Frankly, I think you’ll win, and my preference would be for you to be in the Senate. But if that didn’t work out, I’d find a place for you.”
    A smile spread across Caulfield’s face. “Glad to hear it. If I walk away from the governorship, I’d just like to know it would be remembered.”
    â€œYou bet,” said Long, signaling the meeting was over as he rose to his feet. “Give Charlie Hector a call and work out the specifics. Let him know your areas of interest. You’ll be on our short list if this doesn’t pan out for some reason.” Taking the cue, Caulfield stood up. Long grabbed his right hand and pumped with both hands. He pulled Caulfield close, their faces inches apart. “You’d be a heckuva senator. Impact player from day one.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. President. Coming from you, that means a lot.”
    Long walked him to the door, his hand gently on Caulfield’s elbow as though he were guiding a quarter horse. “Give my love to the missus.”
    The door swung open. Jay stood in the hall chatting it up with the Secret Service agents.
    â€œJay, you missed all the fireworks!” joked Caulfield.
    â€œOh really?” asked Jay, playing dumb. “How so?”
    Long put his arm around Caulfield’s shoulder.