Showing Stumbling Forward by Christopher Truscott

Clarissa Rogers is a young idealist who’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime.

Unfortunately, however, that means serving as communications director for a hopelessly egotistical, opportunistic and unqualified congressional candidate.

It isn’t too miserable at first. Alex Hogan has no chance of actually getting elected to represent Minnesota’s 7th District. Then he gets lucky—again and again and again.

As Election Day nears, Clarissa’s hit with the reality that winning may not be the best thing. Along the way, she captivates a womanizing political consultant, draws the attention of people who could change the world, and emerges as the one person who might actually be able to send Alex Hogan to Congress.

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Excerpt:

She kept replaying the video on her laptop and the events of two days ago in her mind until Winston unlocked the front door of the headquarters and called out to her. They were the only two staffers on the campaign and, after Sunday afternoon’s display, it was unlikely volunteers would come flooding their way anytime soon.

“I’m here,” Clarissa shouted from her office. Winston walked in and quickly recognized a pity party in progress. He reached over to the desk and closed the laptop.

“We’re making some changes starting right now,” he said. “What’s done is done. Can’t change it and it wasn’t your fault anyway. Our candidate is a jackass, but he can be worked into something.”

“I wish I shared your optimism—”

“Maybe we’ll improve him to a simple village idiot by the time this thing’s over.”

It was the first time Clarissa had laughed in days.

“What kind of changes are you talking about?” she asked.

“For starters, I’m bringing in some help.”

“Who?”

“I put in a call to Carter Jennings.”

“But he’s soulless.” Clarissa couldn’t help herself. She had heard a lot about his professional and personal career.

“Only a little bit,” Winston chuckled. “He is very good, though. Knows what he’s doing.”

“Seriously? Carter Jennings. Why not Satan? He’s busy?”

“You’ll love him. Now come on, let’s get out of here. Have you eaten?”