Dark Horse: A Political Thriller

At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, California governor Robert Long got robbed. It's a tight race between Long and Senator Salmon Stanley for the Democratic nomination for president. When Stanley triumphs, Long's delegates walk out, the media has a field day, and Long and his team - including ace political strategist Jay Noble - pack their bags and go home, knowing that whether Stanley fought fair or not, it's the end of the line. Unless. . .Would Long consider running as an independent? Independent campaigns of the past, such as those of Ross Perot and Ralph Nader, have been more gesture than genuine threat - but how might the Internet and modern communications technology change that? And are the American people so disgusted at the partisanship and gridlock of the two-party system - in particular, is the right wing so fed up with the Republican Party - that they would vote for an independent? Would Long even be able to get on the ballot in all fifty states? A lively cast of characters struggles with issues of their own: • Michael Kaplan, Senator Stanley's consigliere and alter ego, is a shrewd and ruthless campaigner - but this time, has he gone too far? Can he avoid being indicted as scandal consumes the campaign? • Harrison Flaherty is the incumbent vice president and the Republican nominee for president. He is confident of victory, but there remain major obstacles to his inauguration - some that he is aware of, some that he cannot foresee. . . and some that can kill. • Dr. A ndrew S tanton is a mega-church pastor and religious broadcaster whose millions of listeners (and their financial support) give him great influence in Washington. Vice President Flaherty wants and expects Stanton's support. . . but will Flaherty get it? • Rassem el Zafarshan is in the United States with a band of terrorists, unlimited financing, and only one goal: to create an act of terrorism so horrific t