Chapter 3 Summary

The president is stunned when Michael hangs up on him. Garret promises to have Koslowski take care of the situation. He calls Jack Koslowski and asks him to pressure O'Rourke for his vote. Koslowski tells Garret he will see what he can do to secure more votes, including O'Rourke's.

Michael O'Rourke is dictating some notes when a man he does not know storms into his office. He tells Michael that he is one of Koslowski's aides. His name is Anthony Vanelli. He tries to convince O'Rourke to vote for the budget. Michael explains that the Rural Electrification Administration is an outdated project originally intended to provide electricity to American farmers. The five million dollar program is no longer needed, and the money used to fund it could be better applied to other areas.

Vanelli is not convinced. He threatens Michael, telling him that...