He could tell his donors, "I did my best, but the judges wouldn't let it pass."
He could tell the voters, "I respect judicial independence."
He could completely extricate himself from this storm, becoming a tragic hero who defended the sanctity of the Constitution.
Kaufman was confident that no judge with a proper legal education would ever allow such a blatant act of legislative hostage-taking to be legalized.
Leo sat in his chair, his expression still calm.
"Are you finished?"
Leo asked faintly.
Kaufman, still feigning heavy breathing, stared daggers at him.
Leo stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, and pulled open the heavy velvet curtains.
Blinding sunlight instantly flooded the room, making Kaufman, who was used to the dim environment, narrow his eyes.
Leo pointed out the window.
"Mr. Speaker, come and take a look."
Kaufman hesitated for a moment but walked over anyway.
