The Founders' Plot

Stone called Mike the following day. “Stern is mustering her forces. She wants an immigration bill that’ll make it past any judicial test.”

“We expected that. Can she do it?”

“Don’t know for sure,” Stone said. “But there’s a good chance. She knows how to work the system, and she’s got a bag full of bargaining chips. Can’t say how many she’ll draw from our side, but there might be just enough. I haven’t talked to all of our people yet. Still, I’ve got to tell you, quite a few of them aren’t comfortable with what you’re doing. If I had to guess, I’d say she’ll get the bill she wants.”

Mike rubbed his chin. “Won’t be worth much if it doesn’t include the provisions that make it effective.”

“Doesn’t have to be. She’s grandstanding, wants to embarrass us. Wants us to look like we’re creating an unnecessary crisis and that she’s stepping in to save the day. She’s got the local press in her pocket, and the national media are making you out to be an anarchist. If this bill goes through and you veto it, they’re going to make you look like the Grinch who stole Christmas.”

“All right, John,” Mike said. “You and Manny do another head count to see where we stand and who we might lose to her. And tell our chairperson on the judiciary committee that when they get her bill, I’d appreciate them bottling it up for a while.”

“That’s already on my list.”