Westman, Part II: The Rising

[Mechaman]

"Universal Higher Education should be the hallmark of any truly liberal society."

Scott Westman said into the camera.
December 19th, 1987
Westman: THomas Jefferson, one of our nation's founding fathers, considered universal and complete access to education to be the mark of a truly free society.  Whereby the hearts and minds of those who are not born into the privileged masses can finally attain equality and equity with those that are.  Today, we are much further along in mass public education, ensuring that every person can attain a Kindergarten-12th grade education.
He pauses for a minute.
Westman: THough no days of course, even that is uncertain given the Crane Randist assault on public funding for education.  Our schools are failing us and the upward mobility that was so common place for the past three decades has gone down markedly under the right wing machinations of this ideologue president.
Another pause.
Westman: Some of you may be giving me a look of incredulity.  And I probably deserve it.  I was instrumental in passing one of the largest income tax cuts in history which received large bipartisan support.  HOwever, and I want to make this really clear for the record, I didn't do it out of advocacy of the top exploitation class.
Westman has an intent look on his face.
Westman: But far be it from me to go off on a tangent on another topic.  THis is education.  The hallmark of a truly liberal society where the worker has the freedom of knowledge and of information just as the stock owning elites.  Which is why I am here today to announce my intention to nationalize our state's public college system.
I believe there is an inherent immorality in the set up of our college system.  State colleges charge many students thousands of dollars a year.  I believe this is immoral.  State colleges should be for all citizens of the Montana state, a collective agency for the progression of education beyond the adolescent years.  I don't see merely an argument for progressing many of our young adults into full time employment positions with some of the most successful companies in the world searching for degreed individuals.  IN fact, I see it quite differently than that.
What I aim to do is to pursue universal higher education so that all individuals in this state, whether they be blue collar or white collar, are no longer separated by class of education.  By making education free we can make the jobs that many of our parents have mean something again.  The hard working men and women of the Butte mines will be able to hold their head high like the professional IT workers in Missoula and Great Falls.
And furthermore, education is a right in this country, not a privilege.  ANd I for one, in the face of the rising costs of education that have lent this nation towards a path of corporatism run amok that is seeing a return of the High Elite, intend to enforce such an act of universal education if it comes across my desk.  No person, whether they be born rich and prosperous or into a culture of mass poverty, should be denies to further their knowledge so they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.
Thank you and have a good evening.

Scott Westman had just delivered the speech that would at last install him as a solid left wing Democrat in the eyes of millions of Americans.  ANd more importantly, serve as a total surrender of his earlier fiscal conservatism as the point man for the 1981 Tax Reform Act.

[Mechaman]

After the speech:

Westman looks over at the black haired woman in professional attire on his office couch.
Helen Brisco
She giggles.
Brisco: I must say I didn't expect any of that talk of socialism Governor.  I am legitimately scared now.  You really convinced me to leave the Senate now.
Westman smiles.
Westman: Well, not really, but now that you mention it. . . . . that'd be one less for sure vote against it.  Hehehehehehe.
Brisco: Yeah, but you forget I represent middle-upperclass Billings.  Try finding a Democrat to beat whoever the GOP nominates to replace me.
Westman laughs.
Westman: Babe you underestimate me greatly.  However, I would really love to have you on my team.  It's been on the news ya know?
Brisco laughs.
Brisco: Oh yes, the accusations of favoritism and what not?
Westman: How the hell is this favoritism?  You're a Republican!
Brisco: Hahaha, very funny.
Westman: I would have a hard time telling myself to appoint my own father if he was a Republican.  IT's like a cardinal sin.  And people think somehow it's favoritism?  I stayed up for days trying to convince myself to go with youse.
Brisco: Well I think that they thought it was favoritism because you know, we were-
Westman: Oh yes, we were fucking each other several months back.
Brisco: Scott!  Language!
Westman: What the hell do you want to call it Helen?  We got naked, you straddled me, and then you put my di-
Brisco: We made love, you mean?
Westman sighs.
Westman: Well that was in the past now anyways.  It doesn't matter if we were boffing each other in the public library after closing hours this time January love.  It has no weight or bearing on the legitimacy of the appointment.  Besides, none of the wankers can prove 100% that we actually consummated.
Brisco: Now you are talking proper.  What a shock.
Westman goes over to her on the couch and puts his hands on his shoulders, clutching them tightly.
Westman: You seem tense, future Attorney General-
Brisco: Scott. . . no.
Westman: Relax babe, just tryin to massage your shoulder for ya.  I know you don't want anything to do with me anymore.  But it's always good to have a few hands to help ya now and then, right?
Brisco leans her head back as Westman starts massaging her shoulder blades.
Brisco: Hmm that does feel good.
Westman: Besides, Lena would kill me if she found out.  Woman is a psycho.
Brisco: Interesting.  YOu seem to have a thing for the wrong sort of women.  WHy do you keep falling for them?
Westman: Not really a question of falling for them, more just that those type of women are the ones that I can get my single greatest desires from on an almost four times a day basis.  Lord knows I would've gone insane a long time ago if not for the crazy ones.
Brisco: Figures.
Westman: But anyway, time to go out.

The two go out of the room and head towards the steps of the Capitol to announce the historic nomination of Helen Brisco as the Attorney General of Montana.  If she passed nomination from the Senate, which was likely, she would become the first female Attorney General in Montana history.  Ever since the disgrace of the McGrath scandal, the Governor needed a pretty big precedent to distance himself.
This could be it.

[Mechaman]

A few Minutes Later:

Governor Scott Westman stands before the assembled State Senate with State Senator Helen Brisco in tow.  He already had told Coulter that he wanted to appoint Brisco to the AG position, which he indicated that he and the other "moderates" were more than happy to comply with.  Likely they thought there was a chance that she could make some legal challenges to some of the more "extreme" portions of the Green Montana Bill.  He takes the podium and addresses the assembled Senate:

"Good Afternoon Montana Senators,

As many of you already know we've found a suitable replacement for the disgraced from Attorney General Michael McGrath.  It took a lot of thought and soul searching to find a suitable replacement.  Know that not only do I consider this a great controversy that has damaged the very foundations of trust the people of Montana have in the institutions of power, but that I consider his actions a personal slight.  The man's lies will have untold consequences on the body politick for years that can only be reversed with true and willing leadership in the office of the Attorney General.  What I wanted more than anything was to have someone I could trust in office.  Someone who I knew without a shadow of a doubt would uphold the morals and traditions that come with the office of Attorney General.  This individual accepted my endorsement knowing full well she will have to stand for election next November.  I trust her judgment with my life.  She is one of my closest and dearest friends."

A silence goes over the crowd as Westman pauses, allowing them to take in what he said.  For months people had been rattling on and on about their secret romance last year and he had to make the record straight to everyone that Helen Brisco was more than just free sex to him.
THe person he had to make that the most clear to was her.  If he wanted even a shadow of a chance at getting her back he had to let her know.
And it was actually very true.  But more on that later.

"We've been through many trials together.
I realize that no matter what I say here I will be faced with charges of favoritism here.  Everyone here knows that me and Helen Brisco are very close.  Everyone knows that, despite partisan differences, she's a close counsel of mine.  In a way, we're practically brother and sister.
I can't help that.  I also can't help that out of all the candidates I've looked at she's objectively the most qualified for the job.  She's the candidate best fit to perform the duties of this office in a non-biased, objective and principled matter.  I believe her record in this Senate speaks clear to that.  And despite the attacks of an unrepentant media, she has earned the respect of virtually every legislator in this room!"

Loud thunderous applause is heard.

"THerefore, I nominate this great woman, who has given so much in service to the people of this state, to the position of Interim Attorney General.  Let me have your votes!"

Westman left the podium as Brisco looked over the crowd.  She observed as Scott Westman left the room with the door closing behind him.  She was wondering when the questioning would begin when the presiding Senator Gerald O'Malley took the podium from her and started speaking.

O'Malley: My dear lady, there is no need for questioning or cross examination.  The vote is unanimous.  Ladies and gentlemen, the new Attorney General of Montana: Helen Brisco!

THe response was ecstatic as the fifty gathered Senators stood up and gave her ear shattering applause.  Westman came back in and embraced her in front of the assembled Senate, happy to have been so instrumental in helping his dear friend advance her career while doing his best to repair the damage done to his administration and the AG office by Michael McGrath.

Westman: I told you this day would come, didn't I?
Helen sheds a tear, thinking of days long past.
Helen: Yes. . . . you did.

[Mechaman]

May 26th, 1975
Hellgate High School:

Two days ago Scott Westman celebrated his 30th birthday.  A feat that was celebrated enthusiastically by his friends and family.  His sister Nora and his daughter Brea.
As his friend Carl Herschelwitz said "everyday you've woken up alive is a miracle Scott.  DOn't you forget it."
He wasn't so sure he could put it like that.  If anything, everyday he woke up was a reminder that he was getting older.  Everyday since May 4th, 1970, that his life was a living hell and that he would grow up truly alone.  Sure, he cheated on his wife all the time.  There were even times that he wondered if he actually did love her at all.  He preferred the company of adventurous precocious 17 year olds to her.  But it was at least a safe haven, his marriage.  He always knew that no matter what she would be there for him and for Brea.
That is, of course, until she got shot.
And now he was back to square one.

Sure, Scott Westman had a world of lovers.  He lost count of how many women he had been intimate with since he was 12 years old. He always had a warm soft body to keep his bed warm if he needed it.  But there was little, how would you say it?  Security.  Yes that's the word.  He had no security.  All he had in this life was his sister and his daughter.  His family.
His Security.

ANd here he was, probably the oldest 30 year old man in the world.  Now working at a public high school.
But after what he had gone through in the past ten years, it's understandable why Scott Westman would feel so old.  In October of 1966, while still in college at the age of 22, he founded the Americans Against War Foundation (AAFW) with Professor John Pulaski of Berkeley that was a catchall anti-war movement organization that was vehement in it's opposition to the Persian Conflict and other unnecessary conflicts around the world. From 1966-1972 the organization would expand from two chapters (one in California and one in Montana) to over fifty and they would be the loudest opposition to the foreign policy agenda of THurston Morton and then later that of RFK (even though Westman was a supporter of RFK in 1968 and 1972).  Although labeled a bunch of extremists who were naive of the Soviet threat, the AAFW successfully set up a meeting between WEstman and President Kennedy that encouraged the President to open peace talks with Panama, which had recently gone hostile over US control of the Panama Canal.  In the end a treaty was signed and Kennedy gave the Canal to the Panama government.  A move derided by many hawks, but helped raise Kennedy's profile amongst those Americans tired of war that had help elect him in the first place.
After Kennedy was assassinated Westman decided that it was time for him to run for Congressional office.  With his name well established by the young age of 28 he believed that he would be a shoo-in for nomination in the CD that represented much of western Montana.  However, due to a redistricting scheme in the early 1970's, Helena native Max Baucus was able to enter the contest that SCott WEstman had entered and as the establishment favorite was able to clinch the nomination.  However, due to Westman's name recognition and high reputation amongst Montana liberals and his high favorability amongst college aged students, the contest was much closer than Baucus would've liked.  In the end, Westman came within a few points of Baucus.

However, at the moment he really didn't see himself in the Halls of Congress or even involved in politics.  He just wanted to do his thing here, teach and educate the young, before moving onto more political matters.  He had to meet Marci Flounders, his protege, for dinner in about an hour to talk about planning events for the class in the Second Semester.  He had been so busy in talks with the local Democratic Party about local drug reforms that he hadn't had any time to even begin to organize the class schedule for the next year.
Who the hell was he kidding?  He didn't bother with the current schedule.  He just talked with the kids for forty five minutes and then sent them on their way.  It might've been less notorious than getting in fights with police and getting arrested for wearing shirts with the word "fuck" on them, but it was definitely exciting.  And he loved it.
But, a history teacher?  A freaking history teacher?  Was that really what he was going to do for the rest of his life?  Would be be in this room twenty years from now when Brea is busy becoming a lawyer, his sister being a devoted wife and mother to four?  He would be trapped in this little room talking about the politics of Appalachia in the 1790s?  The role of the tribes in the War of 1812?  THe motherfuckin' Dorr Rebellion?
Who was he kidding?  This was bullshit.  But it paid the bills and was more dignified than living the way that his relatives in Buffalo did.  At least this way he kept his hands and conscience clean.

He opened a drawer in his desk and took out a Kamel Red.  He put it to his lips and lighted it, taking a long drag.
Westman: Christ, what a day.
He leaned back in his chair, thinking about his meeting later with Marci.  Young, smart, gorgeous Marci Flounders.  In all his years, he had seen many finely toned members of the female gender of the species, but he had never seen one with such a beautiful brain.  Her intellect matched even his own.
What a match that would be.  Student and teacher.  Protege and master.  Lover and lover.
Voice: Excuse me!
Westman jumped at the sound of the voice, his cigarette flying out of his mount and landing in his lap causing him to make a strained hissing noise.
Westman: Damn it f***in sh*t hellbasker!
He looked up and saw a young woman who appeared to be in her mid twenties standing before him.  She was in Levis and a flannel shirt and had the most luscious black hair he's ever seen.
She almost rivaled Marci in terms of classic beauty.
Westman smiled.
Westman: Oh my apologies.  You'll have to excuse my vulgar reaction.
Helen: Oh that's quite alright Professor, I came out of nowhere.  By the way I'm Helen Brisco.
Westman: Forgive me for being rude, because I would never forget the name of one as striking as yourself, but is that name supposed to mean something?  I mean, and I know this won't make me sound informed or very good to youse, but I hardly ever go to those teacher meetings.  I'm not on the up and up.
Helen laughs.
Helen: Well, Professor, you probably should've gone to those meetings.  They concerned you.
Westman chuckles.
Westman: Figures.  Please don't tell me this is one of those marijuana complaints.  I have a permit for that you know.  I'm on a medically licensed permit authorized by the state board to-
Helen: Professor, I could give a sh*t about your recreational drug usage.
Westman laughs.
Westman: Alright, this is good.  I was worried there for a second.
Helen: Actually, I am here on behalf of the DA's office downtown.
Westman: Really?  How old are you woman?
Helen: I'm 24.
Westman: Twenty Four years old!  My lord, you're practically a baby!  What're you doing playing lawyer!?
Helen blushes.
Helen: Nah, I just deliver summonses.  I'm originally from Billings.
Westman: Good lord, Billings?  What the hell are you doing way out here in HIppieland?
Helen: THis is where all the lawyer jobs were opening up.  THere as a position with the state government that was offering a base salary of $18,000 a year plus the prestige of experience on the job.  ANyway, this is for you.
She drops the docket on his desk.
Helen: Would you like me to read it for you?
Westman smiles.
Westman: Sure sweetheart.  I'd love for you to read it.
She opens up the docket and begins narrating:

"Mr. Scott Westman,

You've been summoned to court to stand trial for damage down to public school grounds. Know that failure to show up on January 8th, 1976, will result in either a $1,000 fine or six months in jail."
Westman: I've been to jail before, I would not like to repeat it again.  Although this is bullsh*t.  "Damaging school grounds?"  What's that about?
Helen: I don't know, something about alcohol intoxication and a Civil War era cannon?
Westman: Oh god.

[Mechaman]

Later that night
About 9:30 or so:

Westman didn’t know how he did it.  But somehow he got that attractive young law student to come home with him after they went to the meeting with Marci.
Hope this doesn’t blow whatever chance I have with her though.
The two were sitting on the long couch enjoying drinks after they had eaten at a riverside grill.  Westman didn’t exactly get a promise that she would leap upon his loins, but he was effective enough in convincing her to stay the night instead of going back to Billings or renting a hotel.
He looked her over.
My lord what a beauty.  Probably the most gorgeous creature I ever set eyes on.  Someday I will have her.  Someday.  Even if she is engaged to be married.
Westman lights up a cigarette and breathes out a long jet of smoke.
Brisco: So, how does the nation’s most prominent anti-war activist who had just embarked on one of the most widely publicized congressional races in this state’s history get into public teaching?
Westman has a good chuckle.  Before he could answer his wingman, Carl Herschelwitz comes into the room.
Herschelwitz: Boredom, that’s how.  There’s about five more months before people even begin announcing for primaries.  We’re biding our time while he recharges his batteries.  Don’t worry, we’ll be back.
Westman: Dude Carl, don’t you have a bedtime story to read to Brea tonight?
Herschelwitz: Asshole!  She’s twelve years old!  She can read her own damn book!
Herschelwitz goes over to the drink table and gets himself a drink, taking a place on a chair on the opposite side of the card table Westman and Helen were.
Herschelwitz: Well, just so you know, while you were busy out teachering and “planning” with Marci I was looking at the news.  Turns out that the Old Man is retiring.
Westman smirks.
Westman: Oh, Mike?  Well good for him.  Long years of service what does that have to do with me?
Herschelwitz: You can win the primary Scott!
Westman: Come off it Carl, my political years are done.  I don’t know what I was thinking a year ago.  I’m too radical to get elected to a Congressional District, much less a Senate seat.   At the very best I can wait a few years before we get redistricted to Finnegan’s district and then run.
Herschelwitz: Kind of a bitch it is, this part of the town falling into the Capital District?
Westman: Damn right it is.  They did it on purpose, the hacks.  Could be worse, at least we’re not Republicans yet.
Brisco clears her throat.
Westman: Oh sorry love, I forgot you was one.  How does it feel to be a political minority?
Brisco: Oh there’s plenty of entertainment to be had.  But don’t you worry, we’ll be back.
Westman: Oh yeah?  Kind of hard to do when your party has about 32 seats in the House and only 14 in the Senate, isn’t it?
Brisco: You try being successful in a party that a few years back was running on the Constitution Party platform.
Brisco was of course referring to the 1968 Gubernatorial Election, where the Montana GOP made the decision of endorsing the Constitution Ticket running for President in opposition to the “two party duopoly.”  This was critical, as it had alienated a lot of moderate/not insane Republicans who had flocked to the Key ticket (the Democratic incumbent), allowing the Democrats to win a massive landslide in the state.  For several years they would dominate the state as the Montana GOP withered and practically died off by 1972.  In fact, Democratic nominee Gerry Schumacher went into the election guaranteed a 75% landslide at the very least since his only opposition came from the Constitution ticket which was widely discredited.
Not that Westman could complain.  Schumacher was arguably the best person to be nominated Governor in a long time.  A staunch opponent of the Butte Establishment who had strong civil libertarian stances, as well as a Missoula resident, Schumacher had set about reforming the corrupt broken system that was enforced by party leaders in the union hack areas.  As well, he was quite open in his support of marijuana rights, going as far as to badmouth Reagan, the Democratic President, about his “war on drugs”.
And, as Westman would brag about years later to biographers, Schumacher was one of the first major Montana politicians to come out in favor of his candidacy for the House seat.
Anyway, the GOP was nearly extinct when suddenly the 1974 Elections happened.  The GOP had “historic gains”, gaining 20 House seats and tripling their Senate representation.  And next election seemed to be more promising, as now the GOP had a state wide apparatus set up again and were actually talking about holding an open primary.  They were nowhere close to a majority, but by god with as leaders as incompetent as Reagan and the labor hacks it certainly was possible.  After all, this breed of Montana Republicanism was much different from the previous breed of it.
Brisco herself seemed to be a member of this new Republicanism.  A staunch self-identified libertarian, from what she told Westman, she had come out in support of the nomination of Peter S. Rousseau as party chairman.  A prominent and wealthy Billings native, Rousseau was noted for his oratory against what he called “paternalistic statism” that was common amongst the political elites in both parties.  The speech, though it had a fair amount of assailing of Democratic policies, was more of an attack at the GOP establishment which was trying to force candidates running for offices around the nation to take positions that conflicted with their constituents.  In states like Washington, Oregon and Montana, not many GOP voters were as convinced about the need for strict gun control laws, curfews, the illegalization of marijuana, etc.  Rousseau didn’t stop there though, also critiquing the conservative movement for being too antagonistic to minorities and too hawkish on morality and foreign policy.
Outside of his belief in a balanced budget and for minimizing the government to the size of a tick, Westman had very little issue with Pete Rousseau.  Hell, at this rate he might become a Rousseau Democrat if he ran for office.
Westman takes a drink and then looks over at Brisco.
Westman: Well you certainly seem to have made a commanding recovery.  Even if nowhere close to a majority.
Brisco: At this rate, even a massive presidential loss in 1976 won’t hold back progress.  As it is, we’re currently in a civil war over our social platform.
Westman: Figures.  Let me guess, the conservatives want nothing to do with the Canucks, do they?
Brisco: Haha, yeah.  Says that we’re costing too many jobs to Canadian aliens.  There is much talk about the “Great Alberta wave” that is crossing our borders and taking jobs for real Montanans.
Westman: Hell, with the way people talk here, how can they tell the difference between a Canucker and a regular Montana Joe?
Brisco: Beats me.
Westman: What else is there?
Brisco: Well, there was this real bright fellow at the meeting.  Some middle aged businessman by the name of Richard Peters.  No political office to speak of.  No experience whatsoever.  Yet he thinks he has been ordained as the new Pope by the way he talks about the direction of the party.
Westman: Oh yes, reminds me of my rival last year.  Thinks that because he has establishment backing that he is Jesus walking on water.  Psst!  Just another career politician to me.  Probably will spend the next thirty years in Congress doing nothing.
Brisco laughs.
Brisco: What about you?
Westman chuckles.

[Mechaman]

Westman: Well I guess maybe someday I could run for Mayor.
Brisco laughs.
Brisco: Yeah you could probably become Mayor of this city.  I mean you are quite the local hero.  The way people around her talk about you they make you sound like a war hero.
Westman looks at her.
Westman: Please. . . .don’t say that.
On instinct Brisco puts an arm up on Westman’s shoulder, petting it.
Brisco: Look, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to offen-
Westman: It’s alright.  I should really grow thicker skin.  It’s been years since she’s died.
Helen gets in closer to Westman, now grasping his hand.  Suddenly, a loudmouth speaks up.
Herschelwitz: Hey guys, I’m still here.  You mind getting real close to each other somewhere else?
Brisco: Oh f*** off!
Almost immediately after she said that, Helen put her hands up to her mouth.  She obviously wasn’t used to swearing aggressively at people.  Carl looks at her and walks away, almost in fright.
Westman: Very good, we’re alone now.
Westman puts an arm around her lower back and begins stroking it.  He moves in closer before she stops him.
Brisco: Stop Scott, stop.  I’m engaged.
Westman takes the ring off of her finger and goes into her ear, licking the insides while whispering to her.
Westman: That means nothing tonight baby.  I was married once.  It was a joke.  I slept with her best friend the night before she got shot.
Brisco: Maybe for you, but for me it isn’t!
Westman moves in closer, practically rubbing his chest hair against her sternum.
Westman: Oh I want to be inside you, babe.  Let me in and make you feel good!
Westman has his hands on the top of her blouse, ready to take the top button off, when she kicks him in the 1000 point zone and he falls over in pain.  She get up hurriedly, her hair in a mess, and starts for the door.  Westman reaches the door, blocking her from the exit.  He puts his arms on her shoulder and looks at her calmly.
Brisco: You rapist bastard!  Let me out of here!  Let me out of here and I won’t tell them anything!  Just get away from me and never see me again!  You f***ing pervert!
Westman stares at her until she quiets down, allowing him to speak.
Westman: Look, I’m sorry about what happened.  I just get real lonely sometimes when I’m drinking.  And I was just thinking about her.  Everyday I miss her.  Everyday I wake up to a picture of her on my bedside table.  And since then I haven’t met anybody else like her.  And well, I genuinely like you Helen.  I do.  So you can leave now and take your bags with you to the nearest hotel, which I will pay for, or you can stay here.  You got my word, as a man and as a human being, I won’t take advantage of you.
Helen is quiet for a few seconds.
Brisco: Well, I’m not entirely blameless I guess.  Me throwing Carl out must’ve really excited you a bit.
Westman: Yeah, I guess it did.  Anyway, here are the keys to the guest room.
He throws her a pair of keys before getting up and heading towards his own room.  She turns back to him.
Brisco: Wait!  Don’t you want to hear about Daniel?!
Daniel was her 23 year old fiancé.  Two years younger than her and still in college pursuing his law degree while working part time at another firm in the same city as Helen,  Westman had heard enough about him in the thirty seconds that Helen talked about him at the restaurant.
Already, he didn’t like him.  In fact, he hated the man.  For obvious reasons.
Westman: To hell with him.  I’m going to bed.

[Dr. Cynic]

I'm always happy to see this updated. I'll try and get back to the Watson TL soon. Just curious but what is going on with some of the other characters currently?

[Mechaman]

December 20th, 1987
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

Senator Larry Watson is coming home to see his family when a reporter catches up with him.
Reporter: Senator!  We would like to know where you stand on the DAA!
Watson: Certainly unconstitutional and I would like to see some major modifications made to it.  However, unlike some of my friends I don't think we should do away with it entirely.  I definitely approve of the provision that gives major funding to police men unions to better assist in the morale of our men and women in uniform.
Reporter: As you may know, the Governor has come out very hard for the DAA.
Watson: Well of course he has!
Reporter: And more to the point he has questioned your patriotism.
Watson: Yeah, it is quite common knowledge that the Governor and I aren't exactly pals.  However, I'm not an ass about my positions.  I wish he would take a moment sometime to step back and examine the issues at stake.  WE can talk all day long about abortion, gays, and guns any day we would like.  However, when it regards union rights, labor protections, and the role of women and minorities in the workplace, the time is now.  Instead he is using his position to declare a class war that he and others have been obsessed with for years.
Reporter: He has also said that you're a bigot.
Watson looks at him shocked.
Watson: Pardon me?  I a bigot?
Reporter: He says that you consider yourself better than your constituents, especially the blue collar white catholics who overwhelmingly supported you in every election to the present.  He cites your dismissal of his run for Governor last year, offering at best a lukewarm endorsement of him.  He also cites your repeated opposition to several Catholic Democrats who ran in the past in other House Districts and statewide races.
Watson looks like he is fumin'.
Watson: Why that poser mick!  Think he can just talk out of his mouth about how much of a bigot I am?  Well what about him!?  What about Bob Casey, who barely agreed to appoint a Methodist to his cabinet?  And what about his position in a union that has a history of denying benefits to non-white minorities?  And what about him and others who went out of their way to deny my grandfather and others a place in Pennsylvania society because they weren't "the right people?"
The reporter looks blown away.
Watson: I have a very VERY FUCKIN CONSISTENT RECORD OF SUPPORTING CIVIL RIGHTS AND OF FAIR AND EQUAL FUCKIN LABOR LAWS!  IF THAT WHITE HAIRED TAIG WANTS A FIGHT OVER WHO IS THE BETTER MAN FOR LABOR THAN LET HIM AVE AT IT!  BOB CASEY, YOU'RE NO ROOSEVELT!
Watson walks off, fumin, into his house.  Like most of his outbursts, this would dominate the evening news.

[Mechaman]

CNN News
Later that night:

On an interview segment between Larry King and Pennsylvania Governor Bob Casey:

King: Now Governor, we all know how passionate of a supporter you are of the Defend America Act.
Casey: That's right Larry.  We need to implement tough crime laws now that allow our law enforcement agents to use every means within their power to bring the Taimid and other terrorist groups that have the potential to kill many Americans.  We can't sit idly by or let concerns of civil liberties worry us in this day and age.  We worried too long about using the power of technology to better our enforcement due to the cries of radicals screaming about "civil liberties".  I mean, the Constitution is a sacred document, but like all documents it surely wasn't meant to be absolutist.
King: But what about those who argue that this act will only lead to an "information dictatorship"?  THe main goal of this act was to allow police to more efficiently search phonelines for terrorist activities without going through the regular warrant process.  But given how this Act was worded, it seems to indicate a broad control over all information itself, not just phones.  How would you address this concern?
Casey: Not to sound like a puritan here King, but I believe that with the guidelines of the Defend America Act that the only people who should be really concerned about the stretches of it are those who have something to hide.  Now, would I recommend using this sort of thing against every pot smoker in America?  Heavens no!  However, the technological search guidelines in this legislation will come a long way in helping eliminate organized crime in this nation, whether that be the Taimid or the typical gangsters that have led to ruin and blight in our inner urban areas.  Good citizens have nothing to fear about the impact of this technology, as there are guidelines in place that state as much.
King: Wouldn't that be a little discriminatory?
Casey: So are the crime statistics King.  Not many 30 year old married women get into gang wars or are likely to bomb a mall.  When it comes to law enforcement, you can't be a bleedingheart otherwise you will wind up dead.
King: Now, shifting to a more personal subject, Senator Watson-
Casey: Heheheh, oh boy, this is going to be fun-
King: I take it you already heard his remarks today?
Casey looks over at King, and gives a smirk.
Casey: Yes King, and I believe they speak for themselves.
King: What do you mean?
Casey gives a look of faux well meaning concern to the tv screens and then looks over at King.  Putting a hand to his chin, scratching, as if he was thinking really carefully of what he would say next.
Casey: Well, the poor kid has a reputation, I'll just say that.
King: If you're referring to his temper, then yes, it's quite obvious.
Casey waves his hand.
Casey: Oh not just that you see.  He does have quite a problem holding in his liquids sometimes you see?
King: You mean Senator Watson has a drinking issue?
Casey: I thought it was already well known Larry.  It's the worst kept secret in Pennsylvania politics frankly.  You see this is why it's so hard to deal with a person like Larry.  I mean, we've tried reaching out a hand in friendship but he is always so brash and rude in striking it down.
King: But, it could also be said that you are antagonizing him.  THrowing accusations of bigotry and UnAmericanism-
Casey: Larry!  Larry!  You misunderstand!  I never called he Senator "UnAmerican"!  Where are you getting your lines from?
King stammers for a second while using his pen to look over his lines.
King: Well I. . . ugh. . . well that is what it says in the notes here.
Casey: All I said before was that sometimes the Senator doesn't have the people's best interest at heart.  It's not really his fault, he just doesn't have a proper context of how the situation is from his legislative position.  And as for the charges of bigotry, I'm afraid I can't claim to not making them.  But I don't really hold it personally against the Senator, bigotry, anger, racism, hatred are all common feelings of consistent liquidizers.  Yet despite such ugly flaws, I and others have continually reached out to him!  And this is how he reacts!  This is what happens when you throw your lot in with the wrong people.
King: "The Wrong People"?
Casey gets a look of concern on his face.
Casey: Well I didn't really want to call him out in public, but I believe that guys like Scott Westman are kind of a negatory influence on the young and guillible Senator.
King: Governor, that man is a member of your own party.
Casey: I know.  We all have black sheep in our families.  I can respect, as a fellow Governor, some of the economic goals that Westman has set for the people of Montana.  His intent to set up a state funded higher education system is worthy of acclaim from all corners of American society.  And, something which will no doubt keep the Senator up late at night about, I commend Westman for having the courage to sign a bill that outlawed the killing of young children.  A very commendable position for any Democrat statewide official to have and I respect him a lot for it.  However, at the same time I worry about the radicalness of people like Scott Westman.  He's a very charismatic man who is very open about his "live and let live" lifestyle.  I for one won't judge a man for his private life, but I think that his influence on the young Senator does Watson a great deal of harm.  If I were a Montana resident I would surely support Scott Westman for re-election, but for a Presidential Democratic Primary?  Likely not.
King: Governor, Westman is not running for President.
Casey: Of course not, but he'll likely be doing it in the future.  And as it is, with his persona, he will have a lot of influence on how this presidential race turns out.  Especially with his bold stance against the DAA which has cost his state hundreds of lives in the war against the Taimid.  I can only hope that his foolish and rabblish behavior can humble him and his followers to the right side before the Taimid start killing Montana citizens in the thousands.
King: Nice talking to you Governor and good luck on the Delaney campaign trail.
Casey: Thanks King you have a nice day.

[Mechaman]

Governor's Mansion
Helena, Montana:

Scott Westman is watching the program with bemusement.
Westman: WEAK! WEAK! WEAK!
Carl Herschelwitz and Helen Brisco don't look impressed either.
Brisco: Man, I saw worse appeals to emotion in freaking high school debate club.
Herschelwitz: When I was ten I could make better arguments than this guy.
Westman: Whatever you say Mr. Spock.  I mean how pathetic.  Though, I can't really say I'm hopeful that Larry will just ignore this bullsh-
Phone rings.
Westman: Here we go.
Westman picks up the phone.
Westman: Hello sweetheart.  How was your first day at recess?
Watson: THE MOTHERFOCKER!
Westman: Larry, what did papa say about using that language in front of the old people?
Watson: WHERE THE FOCK DOES HE GET OFF SAYING THAT FOCKIN SHEET MAN!  FOCK HIM I'LL BEAT HIM TO A PULP LIKE I DID HIS BOY IN THE SENATE PRIMARY IN 1980!
Westman sighs.
Westman: Larry, dude you need to stop calling me when you're pissy.  I'm your friend, not your focking mother.  Oh sh*t, dude wait. . . . I'm sorry, please don't kill me.
Watson: THAT'S ALRIGHT ASSHOLE!  I'LL FOCKING FORGET YOU MENTIONED MY DEAD MOTHER!  WHY?  BECAUSE OF THAT SMUG MOTHERFOCKER ON THE TV!  I'LL RUN AGAINST HIS FOCKING ASS WHEN HE'S UP FOR RE-ELECTION AND I WILL DESTROY HIM!  AFTER I AM DONE WITH BOB CASEY, SR. NOT EVEN HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN WILL REMEMBER HOW HIS FOCKING PADDY ASS FACE LOOKED BEFORE I BEAT IT IN LIKE A FOCKIN' FOCK!
Westman: Dude, chill.  Let me speak to your wife.  GO take a cold shower and take your mind off of things.
Westman hears the sound of Watson taking a deep breath.
Watson: Okay.  Wow, that felt good.
Westman: And get yourself a nice prime rib.  You're not you when you're hungry.
Watson: What the hell do you think you are?  An advertising exec?
Westman laughs.
Westman: Given how many cherries I busted, yeah I could be a damn good one.  Now go take a shower, calm down, while I talk to Laura, alright?
Westman hears silence on the other end until a feminine voices starts up.
Laura: Oh hi!  How are ya?
Westman signals for Carl to leave the room, mouthing "Get the hell out dude."  He doesn't even notice that Helen is still there.  He starts stroking the phone.
Westman: I'm fine baby.  HOw are you?
There is a long pause.  After about thirty seconds Laura speaks back up.
Laura: Scott. . . . .  . look it was a mistake.  Larry is doing the best he can, and I should respect that.  I'm his wife.
Westman: Look, I know it's hard to think outside the box if you've been in it for so long.  But babe, I'm dying for you now.
Laura: I know I get lonely sometimes, and you get horny.  Maybe it's a problem we both have.  We're codependents.  ANyway, I need to stop it before it destroys my marriage forever.  We got lucky before Scott, no telling how much longer this will last if I keep going to you on a whim.
Westman: (defeated) fine.  Enjoy your husband.  And your children.
Westman slams the phone on the receiver before banging the table and putting his head in his hands, crying.
Westman: Everything is fine, everything is just f***in fine!  You say!  Everything is fine when it's tearing me apart!
Westman sinks his head to the table buried in his arms as he starts to sob uncontrollably on the table.
Jesus, what an uncontrollable wreck of a man.  Yet always so fascinating.
Helen walks over to Westman and touches him on the shoulders.
Helen: Scott, you alright?
Westman looks up from the desk, his face red with tears.
Westman: I'M FINE DAMN IT!  DIDN'T YOU HEAR ME!  JUST GO!  JUST GET ON OUT OF HERE!
Helen: You're a damn mess.  Seriously, get yourself together.  Like you were there for me before.
She walks out of the door, but not for the last time.

[Mechaman]

September 9th, 1976
Billings, Montana:

Scott Westman was on the stage overlooking a crowd of several hundreds.
Westman: You got a choice Montana!  You got a choice this election!  You can either go with me, the candidate who represents the very best of Montana, or you can go with my opponent who represents the very worst of Montana!
There is some wild cheering as Westman runs back and forth on stage, preening like a rockstar.  He is waving his head back and forth like crazy.
Westman: Yeah!  Yeah!  Let me see you go crazy for me!
Herschelwitz is chuckling backstage.
Herschelwitz: Going a bit Johnny Osbourne on us hasn't he?
Westman is doing some shuffling air mic dance, moving his hands back and forth like a revivalist preacher when he suddenly stops.
That lovely little bird!  What is she doing here!?
Westman stops as if he's thunderstruck.  He just stops and stares at the unexpected crowd member, dead silent, for about a minute or so.  THe crowd is also silent too, following his gaze.  The black haired woman smiles and waves back.
Suddenly, Westman gets back on the mic, throwing his arm out toward her direction.
Westman: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls!  May I introduce to you a very special friend of mine!?  Miss Helen Brisco!
The crowd goes wild as they force Helen on stage where she is greeted by the arms of Scott Westman.  She looks nervous as hell and is blushing uncontrollably.
Westman: My dear, you look ravishing.
Helen: Uh uh uh.. .  . thanks?
Westman: Dear supporters, this is a momentous day!  A good friend of mine, who I might add is a good Republican, has come here today to support this momentous campaign!
Raucous cheering.
Westman: Man this woman, just like dedicated Montanan individuals like Peter Rousseau, who jumped aisles to support this campaign last week, be a shining example too all of our citizens about supporting the right cause!
Helen grabs the mic.
Helen: Excuse me, Scott?
Westman: Yes love?
Helen: I'm sorry, but it's Mrs. Helen Brisco Weathers now.
Westman frowns.
Westman: And Jesus Wept.
Crowd laughs.
Westman: A great woman still!  Whether she be Helen Brisco or Helen Weathers!  Ladies and gentlemen, one more round of applause and acclaim for the great Mrs. Helen Weathers!
The crowd goes ecstatic once more as WEstman raises the young woman's arms in the air and hen proceeds to head off stage.  Once off stage, Westman turns to her.
Westman: Why the hell didn't you tell me?
She laughs.
Helen: I've been telling you since we first met that I was engaged.  What?  Did you think I'd be engaged for like forever?
Westman: No, it's just it did take forever!
Helen: Well come on, Daniel had to finish-
Westman: THe first grade, yes I know. And his Saturday Morning Cartoons.
Helen: Will you stop with that?
Westman: I mean really, the kid looks like he's barely able to grow facial hair.  Where did you find your high school prom date?  The nursery?
Helen: You're one to talk!  Your girlfriend is literally three years older than your daughter!
Westman: That doesn't count.
Helen: Why the hell not, Senator Hypocrite?
Westman laughs.
Westman: You seem much more confident than most of my staff.  And anyway, it doesn't count because that's natural biology.
Helen: Pardon?
Westman: Yeah, I"m just following the tried and true dynamics of human biology.  You see, for thousands if not millions of years, due to the immaturity of men and the need to produce many offspring, they often went for younger and more fertile mates-
Helen: Okay, shut it!  Let's get the hell out of here and get a drink.  I would really like you to meet Daniel.
Westman: Have I really gone this long without meeting that f****t?
Helen looks at him crossly.  He looks back perplexed.
Westman: What?

[Mechaman]

Christmas Eve 1987
Watson Household:

Larry Watson is on the floor with his sons and his wife playing with some of the toys that his boys got to open early.  He runs a firetruck into his son Sean's legs as his wife returns with some eggnog prepared specifically for him.  She smiles at him and kisses him.
Laura: I prepared it with some Bushie, your favorite.
Watson smiles and toasts her as she gets up and goes to the kitchen.
The phone rings.
Watson picks up the phone.
Watson: Watson residence, this is Larry speaking.
Voice: How does it feel to have a busted flower, Larry?
Watson: What the hell are you talking about?  There are no flowers here.  It's December and it's Pittsburgh.  Flowers couldn't grow in the recesses of my fat asshole.
Voice: Typical Burg rhetoric.  No wonder why your city is failing.
Watson: And you seem to have a disconnect with reality.  Are you from another dimension?
Voice: Yeah gee Larry, I am from another reality.
Watson: Knew it!  You see you guys are so predictable.  So who besides the Alternate Timeline Security Agency and the US Immigration Board did you have to go through to get here?
Voice: And you are predictable as well Larry, with your insurmountable and girthy walls set up to prevent you from facing the truth.  Or maybe it's you who is living in an alternate reality.  Like, oh I don't know, the reality where your wife didn't sleep with your pal Scott Westman.
Watson feels his chest tighten.  He felt greatly offended at the suggestion that the guy made, but he was struck by an even more sickening feeling.
THe feeling that this guy was right.  That this was the truth.  That this is what he had been blocking out for months after his coma.
No, it couldn't be true.  Never in a million years.
Watson: Hey pal.
Voice: Yes?
Watson: You saying that Scott Westman, one of my best friends in the world, a man who is like an older brother to me, fucked my wife?
Voice: Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying.  You know it, I know it, and the entire nation and the people of this fine state know it.  The only person in denial about it though, of course, is you.  It's time you faced the music Senator.  Out that disloyal unpatriotic slut of yours and call Westman out for the true piece of shit he is.
Watson: I don't believe you.  My wife is the most loyal woman any man could ask for.
Voice: Yeah, if you thing of loyalty like a man with a Golden Retriever: harebrained and nice to everyone.
Watson: And Scott Westman is a great man.  Much greater than you, the reactionaries, and that piece of sh Bob Casey could ever hope to be.  He is right about the DAA, he is right about the war against the Taimid, and will be right when he runs for and wins the presidency a few years from now.  You and the rest of the neanderthals better be ready for him, because no amount of lies and distortions you make can prevent that from happening.  You talk about people fucking?  Well the only fucking that seems to be going on is you with my head.  May I recommend that you kindly stop in your mental molestation and go back to fucking yourself, please good kind sir?
Watson slams the phone.
Watson: FUCKFACE!
Laura: LARRY LANGUAGE!
Watson notices the kids staring at him, in shock.  He puts his head in his hand in embarrassment.
Watson: Oh fuck me sideways dear Jesus!
Laura puts her hands on her hips and gives a very disapproving look on her face.

[Dr. Cynic]

Those made me laugh, man

[Mechaman]

Christmas Eve
Cape Cod, Massachusetts:

Thad O'Connor is on the couch with Mary Sears Lodge laying against him.  He kisses her hair as the two look outside the window of her family's mansion on their large estate.
Mary: You know, I'm starting to think you might have a chance in this race.
Thad laughs.
O'Connor: You are almost as crazy as Scott is.
Mary: What makes you say that?  You know the people of Maine better than I do Thad.  Surely they won't take to that stiff plutocrat, oh what's her name?
O'Connor: Olympia Snowe.  And she is more than some stiff plutocrat.  She's married to the ex-governor and defacto king of GOP politics.
Mary: But Scott's money-
O'Connor: Can't be more than what they have without arising suspicion.  There is only so much he can give to a Republican candidate before it's front page news.
The phone rings.  Mary picks it up.
Mary: Hello?
Voice: Put the traitor on the phone.
Mary: Who is this?!
Thad grabs the phone.
O'Connor: Who is this?
Voice: Let's just say a loyal voter.
O'Connor: Okay, Loyal Voter, what can I do for you?
Voice: You can get your face out of Scott Westman's ass.
O'Connor looks shocked.
O'Connor: What?
Voice: I know he's the invisible force behind your campaign, O'Connor.  Stop being a malcontent and get in line.
O'Connor: The establishment has proven itself too much disinclined to the interest of the people for me to think otherwise.
Voice: Oh spare me the populist claptrap.  If I wanted to hear such rubbish rhetoric I would've gone down to the Drunken Hibernian where the unions meet at 9:30 to talk about how  awful "neoliberalism" has been to them.
O'Connor: Your big boy talk won't dissuade me.  I am making a stand and nothing you power mongering coastal elites say can stop me.  I was in the House for a decade, A DECADE! And the people of Maine overwhelmingly backed my agenda of getting the government out of peoples' lives, of supporting civil liberty, and fiscal conservatism that even diehard Democratic union members supported!  I run because I believe in favoritism towards none and privilege for all, something you Mayweathers and you Cookes can't possibly understand!
Voice: A little hot under the collar, O'CONNOR?  What is it with you people anyway?  All this talk about common men and empowering the little guys against the elites?  It's like something you all get off on.
O'Connor, a proud Republican for years, was suddenly fuming at the implications this man was saying.
O'Connor: What the bleedin hell do you mean "you people"?!  DO you mean the average working man and woman of the great state of Maine?  DO you mean the hundreds of thousands of Maine Republicans who break ass everyday to make a decent living?  Maybe I'm not as privy to snobbery as you are, being the broke ass alcoholic son of an alcoholic fisherman from the coast.  However, through my experiences I can tell you that I know a lot more about the necessity of Americanism than you ever will.  You think big tough talk is going to scare me out of this race?  Well then you are wrong!  And people like you, who give our party a bad name, will be thoroughly repudiated this year when I defeat the establishment hack you back overwhelmingly!
Voice: Whatever O'Connor.  If you win I might as well vote for Kilkenny. Way I see it, if I'm going to vote for a white n, I'd rather vote for an honest one.
The line goes dead.
Mary get off the couch as O'Connor starts pacing the room.
Mary: Man, that was a heated conversation you were having.
O'Connor: Don't mind them, just some goddamn entitled gated community WASP snob who thinks he can tell the little people how to behave!
Mary seemed a little taken aback.
Mary: Excuse me?
O'Connor, suddenly realizing what he said, scaled back.
O'Connor: I mean, probably just some troll paid for by the Snowe campaign to intimidate me into quitting.
Mary: Good, I was getting a little concerned there.

[Mechaman]

Disco Democrats for Libertinism (1978)

Video reel of a disco ball with some people in funky disco clothing dancing.
Announcer: In August of this year, Democratic Senator Scott Westman of Montana said, and I quote "there is no reason for any serious Democratic support for a bill restricting abortion rights in this country.  What women do with their bodies is of no serious concern of mine."  A bill, which was supported by a majority of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses and the Vatican.  An admitted cocaine user who has been open about his current marijuana usage, not banned by DC law, this funky Disco Democrat has voted with the Grey Ol' Poupon Party more times than not on issues relating to taxes, the economy, and issues of morality that affect us all.  The more libertine laws that he and his fellow travelers can get passed the better.  He is, Staying Alive, AWWWWWW YEAH HEHEHE!

This ad has been paid for by the Democratic Catholic Association of America for Rights of the Unborn!

[Mechaman]

Disco Democrats for Libertinism (1978)

Video reel of a disco ball with some people in funky disco clothing dancing.
Announcer: In August of this year, Democratic Senator Scott Westman of Montana said, and I quote "there is no reason for any serious Democratic support for a bill restricting abortion rights in this country.  What women do with their bodies is of no serious concern of mine."  A bill, which was supported by a majority of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses and the Vatican.  An admitted cocaine user who has been open about his current marijuana usage, not banned by DC law, this funky Disco Democrat has voted with the Grey Ol' Poupon Party more times than not on issues relating to taxes, the economy, and issues of morality that affect us all.  The more libertine laws that he and his fellow travelers can get passed the better.  He is, Staying Alive, AWWWWWW YEAH HEHEHE!

This ad has been paid for by the Democratic Catholic Association of America for Rights of the Unborn!

Scott WEstman turns off the tv.
September 9th, 1978:

Westman: What the f[**k!?
He punches a hole in the wall.  His lover, Courtney Lebauile, a French Reporter, is curled up naked on the bed while he is staring out the window.  She was on assignment from Paris, asked to investigate the infamous Senator and the anti-war movement in the states.
That, and she heard he was fantastic in the sack.  He proved to be a bit, well. . . ..  short on the details, but that little bit proved more than enough for her.  She had bedded many men, British MPs, French Socialists, Soviets, and even a few Scandinavians.
Scott Westman was the first American she had conquered.  The tall fiery American with his long red hair, obviously of Irish descent (another race she had yet to feel the experience of sexual conquest with) who was making waves for being an "unorthodox" American Democrat.  From what she just experienced, the Fenian warrior spirit wasn't just the stuff of legends.  However, now he was in a wrong mood.
Just now, she watched an ad from the American Catholic League supporting trade sanctions against countries that have liberal abortion laws.  From what she saw last night, in the Senator's mostly bare apartment, SCott Westman was actually a pretty spartan man in his living space.  THe only indication of his private life being a picture of a teenage girl on his nightstand.  She would be surprised to find out later that it was a picture of his daughter, who will turn fifteen years old in November.
Well, he certainly didn't know about the benefits of birth control.  Which is to be expected I guess, not much time in that culture to learn about reproductive issues like condoms and pills I guess.
Westman takes a loud huff of breath.  He was standing near the glass door leading out to his balcony, with only pale blue Levi jeans on taking a smoke and having a morning Rum and Coke.  Going over to a nearby table, he leans down and takes a hit of another kind of coke.  He jerks his head up as the rush comes over him, basking in the everglow of the sunlight.
Then, looking back over at the tv, he just blurts out:
Westman: The f**king retards!  "Disco Democrats!?"  I don't even like that mother****ing f****t s**t!  Do I look like a @#$% to youse?  Do I's!
Westman knocks over an ashtray, swearing.
Lebauile: Dear.. . . . . . you're taking this a bit personally, aren't you?  I mean, it's only a dumb political ad-
Westman: They're associating me with radical %$#@ homo sailors, homeboy kikes with their gold chains, and f**king s**tty music!  How can I not take it personally!?
Courtney gets shocked at Westman's anti-semitism.  For a country that helped save millions in Europe from genocide she was appalled by his open bigotry.
Lebauile:  Excuse you?
Westman: Well I mean, it's all s**tty music.  I'm not a BeeGees fan!  I mean how dare they!?  Where is the White Knight?  Where is Yes?  Where is the Deep Purple music?  I'm coming out to Highway Star, not this Staying Alive bulls**t!
Lebauile: You know, if you weren't so devilishly charming I would walk out the door.  You come to the bigotry common to your national stereotype so quickly.
Westman: You damn right I do.  I'm 100% Grade A Americanism and nothing these queer little Catholic School Boys say about me can change that!  They can run their little mouths, they can run their little True Nut campaigns to try to get the rest of us to conform.  Not me baby, I'm an independent.  And nothing is going to stop me, not them, not the Vatican, not even the freaking Pope!  Mother****er wants to come down here and excommunicate me, he's more than welcome to!
Westman takes a smoke, looking back at Lebauile's gorgeous naked body.
Westman: I mean, I am petrified of those clubs.  I don't get within a hundred feet of them.  Too afraid some poof is going to sneak up under the table and just go to town on me.  What if I like it!  I mean, I'm kind of afraid for my masculinity here!
Westman walks back toward the bed and takes his pants off.  Stark naked, he settles in besides Lebauile, spooning her.
Lebauile: Oh Scotty, don't you have work to do?
Westman: Like what?
Lebauile: Like that filibuster you were going on and on about?
Westman: Oh yeah that. . . . . . . . yeah (starts kissing her) I decided I"m gonna wait.
Lebauile: But a filibuster, isn't that important?
Westman: Well yes, but I"m horny.  So I guess this will be another sick day, capisce?
Oh brother, what a moron.

[Mechaman]

September 9th, 1978
Senator Westman's Office:

Baucus on the screen: And I promise to support common sense solutions to the problems that plague this nation.  We can ill afford the partisan gridlock and petty ideological bickering that goes on between the parties.  I will also continue the work of my predecessor in resolving Veterans issues and I will work with my future cohort Scott Westman in bringing sanity back to our foreign policy and civil liberty debates!
Crowd applause.
Westman doesn't look impressed.
Westman: Isn't this the same guy that called me a radical hippie with a history of drug smuggling?
Giovanni Russo, Westman's Republican cohort in the House of Representatives, chuckled.
Russo: You know, they get pretty creative with you.  Not that I should be so surprised.
Westman: Good heavens, another moderate hero.  He is destined to be an insurmountable douchebag who will railroad our efforts and then pretend to like us every few years.  This is just the beginning of a trend.
Russo: Um, he seemed to be enthusiastic about your election bid.
Westman: Because Old Man Mansfield told the rank and file to be.  No one gets a shot in hell of winning without his approval.  They must think I'm good for something if I'm in.
Herschelwitz: Well us being Montanans and all, he probably considers your anti-war credentials to be bona fide.  Everything else, of course, is suspect.  Kind of funny how the lamestream media focuses on the one aspect of your candidacy that most Montana Democrats were in agreement about.
Russo: Good lord talk about dysfunction.
Baucus: Me and Scott Westman go back a bit.  We fought for the same Primary seat.  I might've beat him then and he might've been my rival, but I can tell you in the Senate we will unite and address the issues that most affect the daily lives of Montanans.
Westman: Good lord shut up.
Westman turns off the television.
Westman: You hear about that new ad?
Herschelwitz laughs.
Herschelwitz: Oh yes, the "Disco Democrat" ad?
Russo: Man I didn't know that religious Catholics had such funky beats.  Or even knew about mainstream disco club music.
Westman laughs.
Westman: Oh trust me they do know.  All those school girls they listen non-stop to that stupid pop stuff.
Herschelwitz: Yeah you would know that wouldn't you?
Westman: Yeah just a little.  I get around a bit.
Russo: So how was that French broad?
Westman: A bit unsatisfying really.  Seemed a bit stiff and not at all into it.  Must be a Size Queen.
Russo: All the unworthy ones are.  Anyway, I thought it was a bit odd and stupid of them.  Attacking their own.
Westman: They are lost and confused and are thus resorting to the only tactic they have left. I personally am more offended that they implied that I am a disco man than anything.  Next thing you know they'll be saying I'm gay or something.
Russo: No man, you been through too many sheds for that to be possible.
Herschelwitz: Yeah, when it comes to gender orientation you are a total vegetarian.  No sausage, no meat!
Westman: Okay, enough about that.  Do we got our response prepared for the Israel Omnibus Defense Bill?
Russo: We are trying to get a response that will clear our name of accusations of anti-Semitism.
Westman: I don't know we are even bothering with that.  The greed of American Jews should be pretty apparent to those who support a sensible non-intervention foreign policy.  Those lands clearly belong to Palestine, and the Palestinian people.  We shouldn't dedicate tons of manpower and military funding to a military effort to assert the so-called "land rights" of Jews who haven't been in Israel for a thousand years!
Russo facepalms.
Herschelwitz coughs.
Westman: I mean what?  How is it not so obvious to everyone else!?
Herschelwitz: Yeah about that. . . . . .
Russo: Saying that you are overwhelmingly opposed to the land ownership rights of some Jews in Palestine because American Jews are naturally greedy isn't the safest argument Scott.  That is why we are going over these lines so that we don't sound so. . . . well. . . . racist?
Westman laughs.
Westman: When will they stop that stupid bullsh*t?  I got Jewish friends!  I got my picture with Governor Schumacher last week!  Hell, we even played golf together.  Golf!
Herschelwitz: Yeah you are also an idiot who says idiot things when he should be saying smart things.
Westman: Carl, I hired you to be my adviser not a constant critic.
Herschelwitz: A moron like you deserves a critic.
Russo: Okay guys, let's begin this by prefacing this with a recognition of the suffering of the survivors of the Holocaust and that we also understand the trials they faced with Soviet Russia after the war.  Even so, we can't justify a full scale military intervention to get them lands that were given by a clear British mandate to the Palestinian natives.  It would violate our dedication to non-interventionism ind foreign affairs and would actually embolden the more radical nature of the neighbors around Palestine.  We simply can't dictate terms to a sovereign nation that complies with America's interests and has advocated free and fair elections.  Neither will we lend them support, however.
Westman muses this over.
Westman: Yes, some of the actions of the Palestinian government is regrettable, like forcing some Jewish farmers off their lands and into the Gaza.  However, they have not engaged in any acts of genocide against the Jews or anything else of that level of atrocities.  Fact is, they are one of the more moderate regimes in the region, though I certainly wouldn't give them any overt military support.
Herschelwitz: You should be thankful there aren't that many Jews in Montana, Scott.
Westman: One of the great things about representing this state I must add.

[Mechaman]

US Senate Floor:

Senator Daniel Moynihan: I strongly urge the Senate to consider the whole situation here.  I do not come here to accuse any man of bigotry.  However, I am not unconvinced of the assertion by more than a few of you here that you come here without bias.  There is a feeling amongst many Americans that the Jews have asked for too much.  That they shouldn't be given land just by their historical situation as an oppressed group that suffered and lost much.  And that this is unfair, given the struggles that many have faced in America and other nations who were given very little from us.  I have seen this own resentment in my home neighborhood, and it is a very concerning attitude.  My argument isn't that we should give military aid out of guilt for the trials of the Jewish people in World War II and previous.  My argument is that we do this out of a humanity for the suffering of the Jews in Palestine.  What I am advocating is a situation to the current problems in that country.  The Palestinian government is guilty of massive human right violations by the United Nations in their forced relocation and deportation policies of the Jews in their country.  Calls for non-intervention in concern of our deficits is inhumane and shouldn't be a guiding policy for important life saving missions like this one.  I propose that we support this foreign policy initiative to force the Palestinian government into recognizing the civil rights of the Jews in their land.  Thank you.
Applause follows as Moynihan gets up and takes his seat.
The Senate Recognizes Senator from Montana:
Westman takes the podium.
Westman: Very well said Dan.  No one doubts the sincerity and good faith of your remarks.  However, I don't believe that you and others recognize the long lasting damage that an overt support of the Jewish population and land in Palestine would do to our relations with the moderate secular democracies in that region.  Intervening directly into the Palestinian affairs would be devastating to our relations with Great Britain, whose mandate clearly stated that these lands are sacred and sovereign lands given to the native inhabitants of Palestine.  It is the land and government of the people of Palestine, both Jewish and non-Jewish.  The kind of blatant military interference would be a clear bastardization of our foreign policy and a clearly immoral usurption of a nation's right to sovereignty.  Palestine has declared no wars.  Palestine has not killed mass numbers of Jews.  There hasn't even been any proof that there is basic torture going on there!  And you guys want to just throw in some weapons and troops over a hyperbole description of the Palestinian relocation policy?  Heaven forbid Canada sends in the tanks, demanding that we be penalized for deporting illegal aliens back across the Rio Grande!
The New York Senator is right in that people shouldn't feel guilted into supporting a forced resolution on the government of Palestine because of the Holocaust that would give lands that clearly belong to Palestinian families and give them to foreigners who have been to the country once or twice in their entire lives.  If not at all.  We've seen scenarios like this before, like the confiscation of native Irish lands in the 19th century that were distributed to far removed landlords who had little interest in the lands themselves other than some power play.  We can certainly sympathize with the plight of the Jew in this century and would damn anybody who makes light of the Holocaust.  Our own American government was grand enough to open it's doors to every possible European Jew refugee who came here to seek a life of promise, freedom, and opportunity.  The millions of Jews who have settled in this country are proud patriots who don't demand that the federal government gives everything to them at a great cost.  To demand that they, along with us, use the arm of the United States Army, and don't lie gentlemen that is exactly what you're asking of them, to force upon a sovereign democratic nation our subjective cultural views is unAmerican.  This isn't a Jewish debate, it is an American debate.  And can anyone here tell me that if we pursue the course suggested by these men that it will benefit our standing in the world in any meaningful way?
Westman steps down to massive applause.
Oh yes, this might have a chance of success after all.

[Mechaman]

January 18th, 1983
Westman Mansion
Near Flathead Lake

A red 1972 Ford car pulled up outside of Westman's house along the lake.  Taking in the view of the still snow covered surroundings of the nearby lake and environs in the dark of night, the dark haired man took a drag of his cigarette and puffed it out.
Figures.  Of course Scott Westman would suddenly decide retirement isn't so bad out here.
Opening the door, the dark haired man in the black leather jacket would stand up to a full 6'2", still scanning the surroundings.  Throwing what was left of his cigarette out into a non-descript part of the landscape, Killian Darkwater would head to the front door and knock.  A few seconds later he is answered by a gorgeous redheaded young woman in a pajama shirt and shorts who is maybe only a couple of inches short than he is.  She immediately blushes at the sight of him.
Brea Westman, lord I'm in heaven, he thought.  Kind of awkward that is Scott's daughter though.  When he was talking about getting shotgunned at 17, he definitely wasn't joking!
Brea: Oh hi Killian!  I was afraid you wouldn't come up here!  Such a pleasure to see you!
She rushes out the door and gives Killian a warm full body hug, even burying her head against his neck.  These Westman women surely are affectionate I tell you.  Scott sure is a lucky bastard.
Darkwater: Nice to see you too kid.  Your dad said he wanted to hang out, which is usually code for a super top secret meeting where everyone gets toasted.  We can probably hang out afterwards.... . . . though.
She looks up at him.
Brea: Gee, you're a really cute guy and all Killian, but you're old enough to be my uncle!
Darkwater looks at her with offense.
Darkwater: What!?
Brea: Well, it's just I'm 19 years old!  I'm a kid!
Darkwater: Yeah and I'm like what?
Brea: 35 years old.
Darkwater: Oh right.
She pecks him on the cheek.
Brea: Maybe we can play cards or something in the basement when you two are done.  There is an empty guest room somewhere in the basement.  You can stay there if things get out of control outside.  Good luck handsome.
She winks at him before walking off into some room to do who knows what.
Killian just shrugs melancholy.
Not even in the Westman house can I get lucky.
He walks downstairs into the large den with the overview of Flathead Lake.  He walks over to the table and pours himself some Whiskey and Rum.  He takes a drink, letting the strongness take him over, when he hears footsteps behind him.
Westman: My dear Killian, you certainly know how to make yourself at home.
He turns around to see Scott Westman with a 5'5" redhead under his right arm.  His sister, Nora Westman, who was onto him like glue ever since he was sent back home from the Senate.  When Westman was an anti-war activist in the early 1970's, people were saying that his sister was a bit closer to him than glue.  It seemed that no matter how long they've been apart, eventually they ended up under the same roof usually with him bankrolling her living expenses.  Though really, when your parents were as sh*tty as Scott and Nora Westman's parents, you probably did feel a bit closer to your own siblings than other people.  Killian, who was dropped off at an orphanage after his birth and would be raised by German Lutherans, could kind of relate to the need for closeness among the Westman family (Scott, Brea, and Nora at least) as it sometimes felt like among the three they were all each other had.  To many people, who were raised in more traditional households, such open affection between Scott and his female relatives had unfortunate implications.
He observes as Westman sits down while wrapping Nora into his arms as she leans back against him on the couch.  Westman gets two glases.
Westman: Nora, babe, do you want anything?
Nora: Oh just give me a f***ing Morgans would ya?
Westman opens up a door on the table and brings out a bottle of Morgans and pour it into Nora's glass.  She chugs it, and then begins swimming in her head.  Westman casually gets a bottle of Dr. Pepper and mixes it with some Gin, swirling it to make sure the mix is just right.
Westman: Man do I love retirement.  All the money in the world, the right place, and no reason at all to work.
Killian was quickly becoming dispirited.  So the rumors were true.  Scott Westman was kicking the bucket!  After six years of giving the state some of the most principled and moral representation it had since like ever!  Who was going to lead the liberty fighters?  Who was going to lead the anti-war voices in Congress?  There were plenty of devout peace warriors, but none had the talents, the heart, and the drive of Scott Westman.  Especially in the Montana Democratic Party.  I mean my god, who in this state would take over after Westman leaves?  Max Baucus would probably be laughing to the bank if he was sitting where Killian was sitting now.
Darkwater: Look, sir, it's not my place to say this but-
Westman: Kills dude, how many times do I have to tell you?  It's "Scott".  Every time you call me sir I feel like a freaking grandfather.  Quit reminding me that I'm 37 years old.
Nora laughs.
Nora: You bitch about being old!  Imagine how I feel!  My biological clock is ticking!  And I"m still living with my bro!
Westman: You know, I got Thad's number.  Maybe he can help you out.
Nora: Shut the hell up you pig.
Westman was referring to Thad O'Connor.  There had been rumors that Nora Westman was sleeping with Thad O'Connor regularly while she had been living in DC to pursue art school.  It seemed there was some truth to those rumors.
Darkwater: I mean, I know retirement feels good and all, but think about the state!
Westman chuckles.
Westman: I am thinking about it.  And frankly, there is not that much hope left if a man like David Walters can get elected.
Darkwater: But I thought you respected him.
Westman: No dear Kills, that is called politeness.  Fact is I find him to be a repulsive retrograde of a man unfit for the office of Senator of Montana.  His ascension should be a condemnation, a pox, on the people of the state.  I would've expected this kind of out and out darwinistic attitude to win minds over in upstate New York, Connecticut, or Alabama, but not here damn it!  Seriously, if I can get beat by an asshole like that, what is the point in pursuing further office.
Darkwater: So you've asked me to come over here, in the snow and ice, just to listen to you bitch about how awful it is to be a loser?  You know what!  F*** you!
Westman gets a very shocked almost angry look on his face.
Westman: What did you say, you little sh*t!?
Darkwater stands up and throws his glass behind his back as it shatters the wall behind him.
Darkwater: You heard me!  F***!  You!
Westman gets up with a crazed angry look on his face and bolts right over to Darkwater, staring him down inches away from his face.
Westman: Yeah boy you like that don't you?  Feel like a man now don't ya?  Telling the big boss man, the big dog boy to go f*** himself!  Feels good right!  You craze it, the feeling, the acclaim, of being able to say to people that you told Scott WEstman to f*** himself.  Am I right?  AM I F***ING RIGHT YOU DAMNED PIECE OF PISS STAINED SH*T!
Darkwater looks into the crazed red colored face of Westman, who looks like he's hyperventilating now, and just calmly looks into his eyes before responding:
YES
Westman looks like he's about to snap. . . . and then suddenly starts laughing.  He takes one of his hands and gives Darkwater a high five.
Westman: My man!  MY MAN!  You thought I was serious!?
Darkwater looks dumbfounded.
Darkwater: What?  The?  Hell?
Westman has an ecstatic look on his face, like he had been smoking cocaine all day.  Probably has been for all I know.
Westman: You see Kills, I am not running for Senator anymore!  I am running for Governor!
Darkwater looks puzzled.
Darkwater: You sure?
While Westman had a reputation as a pragmatic liberal in the Senate, Darkwater wasn't sure how well that would translate out in the state house.  Granted, he couldn't do worse than Governor Peters.  But still.  There were some men who were meant to be legislators and there were men who were meant to be executives.  He really only saw Westman as someone who would be unsatisfied dealing with just the mere rabble of state politics when he could have the nation's capital as his oyster.
Deciding to run for Governor, if that was what he intended, was indeed out in left field.  And besides that just raised a whole nother question:
Darkwater: Okay wise guy, if you are going to become Governor, who will oppose that douchebag Baucus in the Primaries.
Westman laughs.
Westman: Well I don't think Baucus will be a problem for you that much longer.
Darkwater: I guess so if he has a hardon for you I can just come in and take the nom-wait what the hell?!  Did you just?  Did I just?  (looks over at Nora)  Did you just hear us?
She nods.
Nora: Yes, I just did.

[Mechaman]

December 19th, 1987
Public Debate Hall
Helena, Montana:

The two men stood facing each other as the moderator made his way to the front.  On the left side was incumbent Montana Governor Scott Westman who was defending the anti-DAA side.  On the right side was Montana State Senator Ronald Donegan who had made a name for himself as a vocal supporter of the DAA, an opposer of the Westman Administration, and the leading Conservative since the passing of the late David Walters.  The two had their own followings with them as they looked over their notes in the moments before the debate.
Moderator: Good evening.  Coming to you by popular demand as well as the consent of the two individuals on this stage since that fateful day that Westman offered the debate challenge, we have arguably the two most vocal sides in this state on the matter of the Defend America Act.  The Governor I believe has no introduction, as his actions have made him known as one of the generals in the war against excessive government and militant interventionism.  He is Scott Westman!
Crowd applause. Donegan lookd disinterested.
Moderator: And on the other side is one of the few remaining members of the Conservative Party in the State Legislative branch.  After the death of David Walters he and a few others have tried to keep what perilous amount of support they have strong, though there have been rumors of them considering a merger with the Montana Republican Party.  Ladies and Gentlemen, Ronald Donegan!
Mixed response.
Moderator: Alright, we all know that the Governor has been involved with a long and lengthy fight with the US Government over the constitutionality and legality of the Defend America Act.  You yourself, Senator, have said that it was wrong of them to pursue criminal action against the Governor.  How do you reconcile this with your view that the DAA is legal and constitutional?
Donegan: First of all, thank you for the non-partisan introductions Larry. (snickers) I think it's quite simple really.  As bad as what the Governor did throwing him in jail over a constitutional objection to a law, especially with power that he really didn't have, is overkill.  There was probably a constitutional ruling that could've removed him from office, but these people went way too far and were way too extreme in their pursuit of justice.  Something that they probably realized once they realized they didn't have any case and dismissed the charges.  Of course, it could've easily been avoided if the Governor didn't raise too much of a fuss, but we can dwell on that another day.  This was simply a case of the grownups not being the room.
Booing is heard in the audience.
Donegan: And this is why I wanted a private place, instead of this wide open forum.  Now any joker can just come in here, and Westman stooge, and throw jeers at me.  Which of course is the best and only way this man can operate.
Moderator: Governor?  What do you say to that?
WEstman laughs.
Westman: It is often said that those with malign intent are the weakest before the court of the public.  This is Montana, not Westmanta or Donegana.  I requested this venue because it is before a trial of our peers, our fellow citizens, that we are best judged.  Not some mere judge on a podium, no offense Larry.  That Ronald has such a problem being in front of all these people, in an open forum, is more of a testament of his refusal to calmly and succintly defend his point honorably and with logic and reason than it is whether or not some great schemers can come in here and ruin it for him.  He would prefer it to be in a small private room, with no ambivalence, where he can sit back and use controversial backroom tactics to try to intimidate his opponent.  Really not that much different than the leaders he is cheerleading by his advocacy of the Defend America Act.
It is also an overwhelming ignorance and bigotry of the will of the people of Montana, who have consistently shown a strong opposition to the authoritarianism of the Crane Administration.  Let the record state that I find Philip Crane to be the worst President of the United States since Woodrow Wilson.  And just like Wilson he uses the language of American nationalism and patriotism while supporting policies that would put us towards the state of the old European empires of yesteryears.  Yes, this is the man that the man before us supports.  ANd like the man he supports, he supports the agenda of a Great American Empire, something we should all fear.  I am just thankful to God that I am in this state and not elsewhere where the authorities could probably arrest me for sedition and treason.
Crowd stands up and gives Westman a roaring applause.
Moderator: Wow, that was quite impassioned.  Governor, do you really believe that Philip Crane is the worst President since Wilson?
Westman: You know what?  He's even worse.  Wilson didn't pursue an extremist interventionist policy that resulted in the death of over a million American citizens.  Wilson also didn't bend over and take it from the established elites in this country by forcing a "flat tax" that massively redistributed the wealth from the bottom to the top.  Yes, on the whole actually, I believe that Phillip Crane might be one of the worst Presidents in American history, rivaling the awfulness of even James Buchanan and Franklin Pierce.  This is a President who took advantage of the massive cynicism of millions of Americans, got elected into office running off of a ticket of a party that espoused bigotry towards a bunch of the people he represented as a Congressman in the western parts of Chicago, and then went about taking what was a dunderheaded foreign policy of Ronald Reagan and made it into an evil and immoral call for a new American empire.  And he wonders why New York City was nuked under his administration!
Some mixed responses are heard.
Moderator: Senator?
Donegan: See, this is what I'm talking about.  Everybody here was about ready to hang me before giving me a chance here, but it looks like the Governor has proven my own points for me.  We don't need such dangerous radical rhetoric coming from the Governor's Mansion.  We all love liberty and freedom here, don't we?  I mean, I myself voted to decriminalize medical marijuana and to make drug dealing at most a ten year punishment.  Yet the Governor here wants to paint a picture of destruction, death, and chaos if it's anything that doesn't fit his far left wing borderline Marxist view of the world.  I'm trying to have a debate here about the issues at hand, and he is engaging in hyperbolic vendetta making against me and my fellows.  ALl I'm asking is for some rational discussion on the issues that face our nation and our state and for a consideration of it's effects on our livelihoods.  How many more people have to die at the hands of the Taimid for you to get that point, Governor?
The crowd is mixed, but more positive than it was before.
Moderator: While the Governor's outrage was a bit extreme, the question still remains Mr. Donegan: How do you justify your views on the DAA in a state that is extremely hostile towards the very idea of it?  Or, how do you address the databasing implications in the document?
Donegan: How about a bit absurd?  Do you know how costly and time consuming it would be to bug into all the phones of America and create the spy state that the Governor and his kind are always fretting about?  In a society where communication is instantaneous and the archives of billions of books are widely and cheaply available this might be a concern.  But not now.  The Defend America Act has nothing to do with regulating and controlling the spread of information.  It is about tracking and finding lawbreakers.  Charges that this is a slippery slope that will lead to corrupt political plays by opportunistic politicians and the banning of certain arts is beyond absurd.  I believe it is this, my insistence on rationality and full consideration of the impacts of this act, that will win over the people of this state.
Westman: The Senator makes a very eloquent attempt at defending what is nothing less than an unconstitutional act forced onto the American populace in a time of extreme fear and scarcity.  I was there when the bombs fell.  I can honestly admit to feeling a lot of what Donegan and his fellows are now feeling.  However, I resent the idea that we are the ones being unreasonable here.  Now I realize that conflicts tend to bring out the worst in America, and that this act might actually be light compared to the internment of Asian Americans during World War II.  However, we have right and just cause to be concerned with the results of this legislation.  If it is left ignored in it's current form, with it's broad language, it opens up the door to legal tyranny.  This would be obvious to the so-called rational and pragmatic Senator if and others bothered to read the legislation with an open mind.
Moderator: Very good gentlemen.  Now time for a break.

[Dr. Cynic]

Have I told you lately how much I love reading the Westman saga? Because I really love reading the Westman saga.

[Mechaman]

December 19th, 1987
Debate Continued:

Moderator: Senator, you've previously compared the Governor to an almighty tyrant.  Do you stand by your comments?
Donegan: Yes I do.  The Governor has forced a socialistic government works program on the people, he was forced grand socialistic land tax schemes on the people, and he has forced a rule of anarchy in regards to law and order in this state.  We used to use Marxism as a political strawmen for our opponents.  Well, with the incumbent governor, who has openly stated his support for the nationalization of higher education, I can say that if anything Marxism is a friendly description of his ideology which consists of megalomania and a hatred of property ownership rights.  Governor Westman is the most left wing Governor in this state's history.  He makes Brendan McGuinness look like a Republican for Goldwater.  He is consistently rated by far, as the most left wing Governor in the nation.  The ideology of a Scott Westman is indistinguishable from a Eugene Debs, from a Norman Thomas.  He damns FDR's New Deal because for being right wing extremism!  This is a dangerous man standing next to me.  The same man who is your Governor fifteen years ago stood up at an anti-war rally and bemoaned the end of the Troubles because, in his own words "Republicanism as an effective political force has failed."  These are the same people who would decide to attack us just a decade and a half later, and this GOvernor endorsed their cause!
Moderator: Governor, what do you have to say to this?
Westman: Well, we saw what four years of Republicanism "moderatism" did to this state.  It is funny that the Senator tries to paint me as an extremist on several points.  On the first, the extremism of my programs.  Let me just real quickly read some planks off of my 1984 Gubernatorial Platform: "We, the Democratic Party of Montana, pledge to turn over and repeal the confiscatory gun policies of the incumbent Peters Administration."  Now let me read one of the platforms of the Montana Republican Party adopted at their last convention in mid 1986: "We condemn the past folly of party leadership in passing restrictive gun laws that limit the rights of thousands of Montanans."  Now let me read the exact text of the proposal of the Green Montana program: "To ensure that people in the rural areas get the proper infrastructure at a fraction of the cost and increased efficiency, this Democratic ticket will support the large scale infusion of state capital into building state wide works project."  ANd now here is this, something that will blow away even Mr. Donegan I am sure: "My administration will lead the way in developing cheaper more efficient electricity for farmers and other rural MOntanans."  This of course was not said by me in the past three years.  This was said by the late Republican Governor Sam C. Ford, who pursued an infrastructure project which is actually the genesis of our plan.  It's quite ironic to hear that we are being labeled as socialists when it was actually our spirit of bipartisan solutions that produced this.  As a student of the political history of this state, I have molded much of my governing philosophy not after Franklin Roosevelt, or Robert Kennedy, but after Sam C. Ford who in his own day was considered an advocate of limited government and individual freedoms.  People like Donegan, who claim to be true conservatives, should be applauding me for modeling my governance after such a fellow instead of damning us all as socialists.  This administration is the most non-partisan Montana administration in decades.
And another thing before we switch questions.  The Senator expects me to back down from my support of the Irish Republican movement.  But the truth is, there are very few things I am more proud of than my time protesting for the rights of the Catholic minority in Ulster and I could give a rat's ass if some extremist group like the Taimid is using the facade of Irish Republicanism.  That doesn't change what I feel in my heart is right, and it certainly doesn't change the feelings that many other proud Irish Americans have in this country.  Unlike my opponent.
THe air gets terse.
Donegan: Now listen here damn it!  I am not a self hater!  I, like many others, just realized the dangers implicit in the radicalization of the Irish Republican movement as a danger to capi-
Moderator: GENTLEMEN!  GENTLEMEN!  This isn't a debate about Irish politics.  Let us return back to the issues that affect the people of this state shall we?
Westman: Alright then, let us discuss my opponent's apparent disdain for the people of this state.
Donegan: I agreed to a debate goddamn it!  Not a vicious character assassination!
Westman: No no no Ronald.  The question is very valid.  Polls consistently show that your positions run counter to the vast majority of the people in this state.  In fact, your very party has the lowest approval ratings in history.  How do you reconcile the Montana Conservative Party's policy platform with the will of the state?
Donegan: You know that those are biased push polls Scott.  You pay and cajole the pollsters to run question in a way that only your viewpoint can win.  I intend to have no discussion with you if you continue with these dishonest tactics.
Westman: No no no!  The burden of proof is on you now Ronald.  Where do you get this idea that these are sham polls?  Did you hire a private investigator to track down the pollsters?  Did he take them to a backroom, give them a nice moonlight massage to get an answer out of them?  Or was it more rough kinky stuff?
Donegan: You are like a f***ing child!
Moderator: Senator!  There is no need for such language!
Donegan: You are getting onto me!  What about him!  He isn't even bothering to have a debate and is instead resorting to his tried and true method of using passive aggressive attacks!  I will not any longer be made a mockery out of!  This is a sham of a public hall!  If you want a real debate Governor, I'll be in the State Legislature!  Not standing here the ass of all your barbs!
Donegan knocks over the mic and huffs out of the place.  Westman is just standing there, looking out at everyone.  Then he starts pointing to where Donegan just left the room.
Westman: Ladies and gentlemen!  Ronnie has left the building!

Headlines the Next Day: Westman Destroys Donegan, Senator's hopes of a gubernatorial run are buried.

[Mechaman]

December 19th, 1987
Washington D.C.

On the TV
Westman: Ronnie has left the building.
Mattingly turns off the tv.
Mattingly: Goddamn it!
Aide Kessler: What is it sir?
Mattingly: Oh just that pinko liberal homo bastard Westman.  He just humiliated an upstanding individual!  Dragged him right through the mud with passive aggressive attacks!  I can not let this stand!
Kessler: Sir.. .  .  
Mattingly: This radical miscreat Governor wants a real debate?  Well I'm f***ing game bro!
He picks up the phone and dials a long distance number.
Westman: Hello?
Mattingly: Listen you son of a bitch, I'm gonna show you a real le-wait. . .  . .  but you're supposed to be on tv!
Westman: Yeah, that's quite an education you got.  What's next?  The freakin sky is blue?  Kid I don't have all day.
Mattingly: Kid?  KID!?
Westman: Yeah, it's just an expression.  Don't lose your sh*t.  Hey, why did you call me a son of a bitch?  That's not very nice.
Mattingly: This is Christian Mattingly you f***er!
Westman: Is that name supposed to mean anything to me?
Mattingly: It should goddamn it!
Westman: This is like those weird times when someone you know in high school whose girlfriend you balled calls you a decade later and loses their cool over it.  Besides, I don't think I know anybody named "Christian".  Dude what a weird name.
Mattingly: I'm the motherf****ing Secretary of Veterans Affairs for sh*t sake!
Westman: Oh right, that guy.  No wonder why I don't remember, with a Cabinet title like that.
Mattingly: Your damn grandfather helped build my company.  And this is how much you remember me?
Westman: Oh right, you're that one guy who cussed out the President's PR Team.  Man that was pretty cool!  Badass of the year material or what!
Mattingly: How the hell are you talking to me anyway?  I thought this was "live".
Westman: Kind of.  There is a tape delay, that way they can fix all the badwords someone might say.  And believe me, they needed it for that bozo.
Mattingly: Hey come on!  He's not a bozo!  You were being a passive aggressive dickhead to him!
Westman: Whatever man.  I'm getting a beer.  You want one?
Mattingly: Yeah sure, sounds good.  What do you have?
Westman: Oh looky here, there's a Coors!
Mattingly opens his mini-fridge and pulls out a Coors.
Mattingly: Same.
He takes a drink, imagining that Westman did the same thing.
Mattingly: Alright, look. . . . . . how about a real challenge?
Westman: What kind of challenge?
Mattingly: An oral challenge.
Westman: Man, what the f***?  That sounds like some gay homo thing.
Mattingly: Oh really?  THat's not what I heard from around town.
Westman: Whoa buddy, let's not go there.
Mattingly: Word around town is that your mouth has seen more action than a gay sailor at a disco club!
Westman: Hey f*** you asshole!  Did you come with a purpose other than to throw some f***ing gay innuendos my way?
Mattingly: Hahahaha, I totally set that up.  I want to debate you Westman.
There is some silence on the other end before some heavy laughter.
Mattingly: I can hear you you know?
Westman: You sure you want that?
Mattingly: Yes you radical pot smoking wiener eater!
Westman: You really need to come up with better insults.
Mattingly: Look you entitled piece of sh*t!  Just because I ain't got the educateds doesn't mean I can't put you in your place on a national stage!  I used to talk down mafia men.  Mafia men!  What have you done with your illustrious what was it degree?
Westman: Masters of History.  I have it for a reason, so people know that it's best not to repeat the mistakes of past opponents.
Mattingly: Aw f*** you!
Westman: No f*** you!
Mattingly: No, f*** you asshole!
Westman: F*** you sh*tbrains!
Mattingly: Why don't you go eat a bag of ds, you f***ing fruitbag!
Westman: I don't eat ds, you cbaster!
Mattingly: Okay, whatever.  I guess you want a debate?
Westman: Yes.  Also f*** you.
Mattingly: No, f*** you.
Westman: Aw for f***'s sake how does March 18th sound?
Mattingly: Day after St. Paddys?  When everyone has hangovers?
Westman: Okay, how about March 4th, the old Inauguration Day?
Mattingly: Sh*t, whatever.  See you then.
Westman: Sounds good.  Oh hey Chris!
Mattingly: What?
Westman: I got two words for ya! Su-
Mattingly puts the phone down.
Mattingly: God, how juvenile.

[Mechaman]

September 9th, 1978
US Senate Floor:

Daniel Moynihan gets up again to the podium, clearly aghast at what he has heard.
Moynihan: The Montana Senator's clear ignorance on this is showing.  As well as his hypocrisy.  Need I remind everyone here that just a few years before being elected to the Senate two years ago that the honorable Senator made his name as a radical anti-war protester who has to this day stood by his declaration that the end of the Troubles in Ireland resulted in a British Police State?  And now he wants to blatantly ignore the obvious oppression of the native Jewish population by the Government of Palestine?  According to the Senator, the Palestinians are peace lovers and democracy advocates who give everybody loaves of bread and have been ever so kind and considerate to their Jewish inhabitants!  THe Senator is continuing to push this lie like so many others of his sympathies have for decades!  The lands that are being confiscated and redistributed were owned by Jewish citizens of Palestine!
I should note on a personal level that I find it shameful what the Senator and other Irish Americans are doing in this debate by bringing up the criminal and immoral land confiscation of farmer lands by the British Government in favor of the Palestinian argument.  How dare you Senator?  How dare you!  If anybody is the oppressor, if anybody is the thief it's the national Palestinian government!  Not the cabal of elitist Jews you and your fellows have sold on this nation as trying to take Palestinian lands!  These are the lands of Jewish citizens of Palestine, bought with their own money and their own deeds!
Moynihan puts down a collection of old weather papers.
Moynihan: I realize this is a chamber of civility, that we should carry a respectful tone towards our colleagues, but it would be a disservice if I continued to ignore the accusations and gross falsehoods of the Senator of Montana.  As a fellow American of Irish ancestry, I find it beyond shameful that he is equating American intervention on the side of lawful Jewish law owners with what our ancestors faced from the British government.  There is no grey area is this debate!  And I will not and refuse to lower my tone due to some imagined "real politics" concern of the Senator and his ilk!
Moynihan steps off the podium while Senator Hatfield takes the podium.
Hatfield: I must comment on the Senator from New York's perspective on the matter.  He wants to rob Peter to help Paul.  We need to get our own house in order, Senator.  This includes programs that will help American Jews, policies that will help American Jews, and a foreign policy of sanity that doesn't adversely affect their pocketbooks.  We all sympathize, Senator, with the suffering of the Jewish people.  We all do!  However, the dangers and repercussions of intervention are just way too great!  And like the Senator from Montana and others have said, a lot of these claims are pretty dubious and not of verifiable origin.  We got Polish Jews showing up in Palestine in 1973 suddenly claiming to own the land that rural Palestinians have settled on for decades.  Need I also mention that several of those lands that were supposedly owned by "the Jews" were actually confiscated from native Palestinians of the Hebrew faith?  There is so much intellectual dishonesty and shameful politicking by the opposition it's almost shameful.  I am not going to say who is legally in the right here, but there is too much of a grey area for American involvement and if we do get involved we will have to deal with consequences of being right or wrong.  Please, my fellow Senators, think really hard and long before deciding on this!
Hatfield takes his seat as Vermont Senator Robert Stafford takes the podium.
Stafford: I would beg the Senate to consider the full effects of interventionism here.  Intervening would result in intense hostility towards the American government and our ideals in an area where our support is needed the most based on flimsy unsubstantiated logic by the opposition.  Nobody is throwing the culture card around but you Senator.  And besides Senator Westman, nobody else had made an outright defense of the Palestinian government.  What we need is not a Jewish policy or a Palestinian policy.  What we need is an American policy.  Sorry Dan, but your ideas are too dangerous.
Stafford takes his seat while Senator Thomas Dodd takes the stage.
Dodd: I find the spin by the Republicans on this matter to be quite incredibly.  It is quite apparent where their biases lie.  It is no great secret that the GOP benefits from every anti-Jewish spin on policy they sell to the public.  It is a pretty convenience, isn't it gentlemen, that the anti-Jew interests in this nation just seem to line up with your principled stances, is it not?  Always about your own standing and pocketbooks, how great!  You seem to forget that outside your cushy mansions that there is such a thing as suffering and oppression.  And how dare you Senator Westman fuel their flames!  You should know better yet you aid and abet the enemy all along the way!
Senator MacMahon takes the stand.
MacMahon: I hate to say it, but I believe that the gentlemen who have defended interventionism really need to reconsider the effects this policy will have on our standing in the world.  We really need to think about more than how much money we will get from Goldman Sachs on this issue guys.
There are some gasps heard in the chamber.
Dole: I'll be damned.

[Mechaman]

1988 Democratic Iowa Caucus:

Around November of 1987 the fledgling campaign of Randle Delaney took off the ground thanks to a combination of high profile northern Democrats endorsing him over Moynihan.  In the words of one senior Democrat "there was the impression that Moynihan's age was catching up with him.  He made some notable gaffes and a number of previously pro-Moynihan Democrats, like Bob Casey, started to coalesce around the candidacy of Randle Delaney.  His pro-life views, popularity among immigrant groups, and support of agribusiness made him the ideal candidate pro-DAA candidate for the election."  He would hold a solid 40% in the Iowa polls as late as Christmas 1987.
However, that all evaporated when a journalist revealed that Delaney had sexual relations with his girlfriend Maria Fernandez.  Given Delaney's popularity among religious voters and his statements about how religious he was in the Catholic Church, it was damning on his approvals.  This allowed an opening for Moynihan to come back in, though he still had to compete with Robert O'Sullivan who had overtaken Mo Udall as leading among the anti-DAA voters.
Robert O'Sullivan's rise from an obscure former Cabinet level secretary to the status of front runner was due in part from his declaration that on his first day in office he would spearhead an effort to overturn the Defend America Act.  His decisiveness on the issue, plus his age, charisma, and perceived moderate social position (pro-choice, neutral on gun issues, pro-capital punishment, yada yada) helped to give a more moderate view of the opposition to the Defend America Act from the perception that it was a bastard coalition of the left and right wing fringes.  However, he still had significant opposition by Udall, who insisted on a more liberal platform including higher funding for secondary education, a strengthening of the Public Healthcare Act of 1973, and repeal of Taft-Hartley.  This in effect gave Moynihan a slight advantage, though enthusiasm was waning.
Senator Gary Hart was in the race well into January 19th, 1988, when he dropped out due to low approvals.  He had previously hedged his bets in trying to win over the endorsement of Montana Governor Scott Westman, who had high approvals among Rocky Mountain and Plain states voters that would help him in a possible upset in Iowa.  However, much to his chagrin, the Governor went as far as to make a seven minute address on why he doesn't support Senator Gary Hart, including pointing out his opportunism.  He then went on to emphasize his support of Senator Udall.  This, along with a breaking scandal with a model on his boat, led to his demise.
Though Joe Biden's approvals were at most 10%, Biden stayed in the race.  There was rumor that he was in the race to hand the election to Udall, as he basically had the same platform as Moynihan.  If this was true, it failed dramatically as Moynihan surrogates in the state spread the rumor like wildfire and it had a damning effect on Udall's numbers.  The chaos that resulted from it would allow a breakthrough for O'Sullivan, who would emphasize himself as a sane pragmatist who stayed above the bitter fray of politics:

Former Secretary of State Robert O'Sullivan (D-Massachusetts) 33.28%
US Senator Daniel Moynihan (D-New York) 29.18%
US Senator Mo Udall (D-Arizona) 28.57%
US Senator Joe Biden (D-Delaware) 8.23%
Other: .74%