Election Day by J. A. Armstrong

Author:J. A. Armstrong [Armstrong, J. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bumbling Bard Creations - JA Armstrong Books
Published: 2017-11-25T07:00:00+00:00

***

Candace remained determined not to show any signs of fatigue. She was facing the last “interrogation” of the day. Her opinion of Congressman Phil Stevis was dwindling by the second, and it hadn’t been high to begin with. He’d chosen to reiterate all of Senator Drury’s musings and questions albeit with a bit more flair. She had to give him that much, Phil Stevis possessed a strange magnetism. As it was with all magnetic personalities, the congressman either served to attract or repel anyone who crossed his path. Candace was his opposite and that was perfectly acceptable to her.

“I’m sure you’re tired, Governor Reid,” Congressman Stevis said.

Of you. “I’m used to long days, Congressman.”

“I’m sure. Before we wrap up today, I am curious about your relationship with President Merrow.”

Candace remained stoic. Be careful, Congressman.

“You spent quite a bit of time alone with the former president.”

“We were friends for years.”

“Yes, you served in the Senate together.”

Candace did not comment.

“And, he extended an offer originally to you, didn’t he?”

Candace waited.

“A cabinet appointment?”

“No.”

“No?”

“No. We had discussions about cabinet appointments during his transition. He never offered me a position.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Did that surprise you?”

“No.”

“So, one of your closest friends and allies becomes president and he doesn’t extend you any gratitude. That didn’t irritate you?”

“Not at all.”

“I see. That didn’t stop him from sharing information with you.”

“Not if he thought it was something I needed to know.”

“Or?”

“Or if it was something he wanted an opinion on.”

“I see. And, was any of that classified?”

“I’m certain it was.”

“So, the President of the United States chose to share classified information with you.”

“As a senator, of course.”

“And, you didn’t find that inappropriate.”

“Not in the least.”

“Because it was information you would have already been given in your capacity?”

“In most cases.”

“In most cases?”

Candace nodded. “Yes.”

“What about in other cases?”

“Those would be a privileged conversation.”

The congressman bristled. “The president isn’t here to assert executive privilege.”

“No,” Candace agreed. “Nor would he need to.”

“You won’t share that information with the committee?”

“What’s the question?” Candace asked.

“Did President Merrow confide classified information to you at any time that you were not already aware of?”

“Yes.”

“And, would you share that with the committee?”

“No.”

“Why is that?”

“It isn’t germane to the topic at hand nor have you been authorized to hear it.”

“As a matter of course…”

“As a matter of law, the President of the United States has the right to share information as he or she deems in the best interest of the execution of his or her duties.”

“But you cannot share that with us now?”

“I’m not the President of the United States.”

Congressman Stevis offered Candace a sly grin. “Earlier you said that President Merrow never extended an offer to nominate you to a cabinet post.”

“That’s right.”

“But you were extended an offer later, isn’t that correct?”

Candace took a deep breath. It was common knowledge throughout these halls that President Wallace had extended Candace more than one offer to join his team. She’d always publicly denied the rumors that she had been his first choice as a running mate. She had been his first choice.

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