Two days later, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Representative John Murphy walked into Senator Daniel Sanders's office, which was modest to a fault.
The office was piled high with books and policy reports. The only decoration was a landscape painting of the green mountains of Vermont.
Sanders was sitting behind his desk, reviewing a bill on drug prices.
"John, what brings you here?" Sanders looked up, gesturing for Murphy to sit down.
"Daniel, I'm here about something concerning the future of Pittsburgh," Murphy said, getting straight to the point.
He explained in detail Leo Wallace's plan to run for Mayor of Pittsburgh and the challenges he was facing.
"John, that young man, Leo… he left a strong impression on me back in Philadelphia."
Sanders spoke. Instead of directly responding to Murphy's request, he asked about Leo.
"He promised me he would turn Pittsburgh into a showcase. How's he doing with that?"
Murphy felt the pressure. He knew his answer would be crucial.
