Jeff Smith

[RobMille]

I highly recommend watching the documentary "Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore?". I liked the movie before I found out all the post movie story (probably before most of it actually happened). If you don't know the story: young guy from St Louis area campaigns to replace Gephart 6 to 10 year ago and they make a documentary about it that is a great watch. Turns out he engaged in coordination with a pretty shady character, then subsequently lied about it and went to prison. Post movie story is the subject of this weeks "This American Life" and is every bit as fascinating as the original movie. Podcast of "This American Life" is still avail for free for the next 24 hours or so. They post the next one sometime on Monday and you have to buy the old one for $.99 in iTunes after that. May still be able to listen/download free from the website after podcast is updated, but IDK. Just trying to get the recommend out there before the podcast gets updated.

Compounding effect of "venial sin" is the theme of "This American Life" and Jeff Smith is the primary story.

[RobMille]

Documentary is avail on Netflix, and prob elsewhere, BTW.

[laurat99]

I remember following the story and rooting for him. I grew up in Gephardt's district, in the rural part of a mostly suburban district, and always wanted (and voted when I could) his opponent to win. Politics is such a dirty business, it's a shame we taxpayers fund it.