The Legislative Dance — Malcolm Chester

A handsome insurance broker is elected to the Illinois state legislature as a Democrat from the suburbs at a time where he will be called upon to vote on the critical Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Unsure of how he will vote, Bob immerses himself in a Springfield world totally unlike any he has known full of flawed characters clashing over ideas, policies and money. As he works on becoming a good legislator and adapting to this strange world, his wife Loretta commits suicide rather than face a lifetime of mental illness. Meanwhile Bob falls in love with a very passionate, brilliant, and beautiful woman, Cynthia but this extraordinary woman has serious commitment issues. He also is attracted to a more stable, beautiful and very talented woman, Roberta, who is Cynthia's best friend. He must choose between these two women as the ERA amendment is decided. Meanwhile a billionaire, Mathew, who gives bribes to Illinois legislators to defeat the ERA begins to focus his attention on Cynthia, creating an uncertain future for Bob. The State Legislative Minuet in the two part Legislative Dance Series seems strange at times to most of us not accustomed to the legislative world but is never dull as our elected officials decide important issues in our lives and struggle with their all too human foibles. In the end, they are all partners in the Legislative Dance.