I already have three Democratic rivals in the primary, and there are reports two more are seriously considering filing.
I’ve also been told that wewillbe capitalizing heavily on the public’s sympathies during this campaign for me to retainmy job. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I know Casey’s absolutely right when she reminds me Ellen would have been thumping me on the head to milk the tragedy for every last drop. That’s what Susa and Owen did for Owen’s re-election campaign, and she’ll be using it for her own campaign for governor in two years.
From when I cross the office’s threshold until I reach the conference room,I struggle and win the attempt to pull my Governor George Forrester mask firmly in place, punctuated by nudging my glasses up on my nose again. Case is the only one I allow to see the depths of my vulnerability and pain. Even then she doesn’t see it all, only what I allow her to see.
I’m afraid if sees saw how truly broken I am inside that she’d run for the hills.
Because I know I sure as hellwould.
I wouldn’t blame her, either.
“Good morning, everyone,” I say, my Governor Forrester mask smiling as I walk into the conference room and automatically aim for the seat at the head of the table.
“Good morning, Governor Forrester,” they say.
Let the games begin.
