The governor of California was doing an interview with the female host of the show with the biggest prime-time audience in cable.
“Governor Ashby, we looked up that website you mentioned in your closing statement.”
“It’s great, right?”
“Well... I’m not sure you gave out the correct website. I believe you said ‘come and join us dot com’ but did you mean dot org? When we searched dot com, we were taken to a... how do I say this... an ‘adult content’ site.” The host used air quotes to make her point.
The governor’s face flushed. Dot gasped, Rose’s hands flew to her eyes, and Mary’s shoulders bounced up and down as she tried to hold in a laugh. But soon they were all in hysterics.
Dot thought of the governor’s poor press secretary who’d have to clean up the mess.
“He didn’t exactly nail the dismount, now did he?” Mary asked cheekily.
“Mary Russo!” Harper pretended to be offended.
“Let’s get out of here, girls.” Fletcher led the way to the bus, which was warm and ready to take them home.
WALKING OUT OFthe venue back to the bus, Dot pulled out her phone to check the headlines.
“Here’s the snap poll results. Lopez and Stone tied. Ashby trailing third, and everyone else far below,” she said to Kitty, Rose, and Fletcher.
“I’m not surprised,” Kitty said. “That trio is the strongest by far.”
“Lopez is a long shot, Kitty, but is she one worth taking?” Rose asked.
Kitty Bell didn’t hesitate to answer. “Yes,” she said, striding to the bus with purpose.
Her Wisconsin team followed quickly behind her. There was so much to do.
THE RIDE BACKto Cedar Falls was lively. Cans of Spotted Cow sponsored the debate about the debate.
Consensus seemed to be that Governor Stone had the best night.
“He reminds me of Bill Clinton.” Some cheered. Some groaned.
But there was also a lot of support for Lopez.
“She comes off more factory floor than faculty lounge,” Ted Jankowski said. Dot told Fletcher to write that down. It was a good line.
There was one vote for Senator Penfield.
“I’ve supported him for years,” Rose’s friend said.
“So, you’re the one!” someone in the back yelled to laughter.
And there was broad agreement that the tech bro had to go.
After they got back into town, Kitty side huddled with Dot and Fletcher before she got off the bus.
“That was amazing, guys,” she said. “We put For the Win on the map. Great job. And thanks. But we need to step on the gas. This state is critical and there’s a lot to do.”
Dot flinched inside under the pressure, but Fletcher said, “Don’t worry, we’ve got it.” He exuded confidence, which made her feel more secure.
Kitty nodded and got off the bus and into the backseat of the car waiting to take her to the private jet terminal in Milwaukee. One of the For the Win donors had chartered a flight for her. Must be nice, Dot thought, hoping one day she could summon such a ride.
As Kitty’s car pulled away, Dot let out a deep breath. Fletcher held up his hand for a high five. Dot slapped his palm weakly.
“Don’t worry about her. She’s just stressed.” He could tell that Kitty had stolen some of Dot’s good vibes.