「Harrisburg, State Capitol Building.」
It was a labyrinth of rules, procedures, and unwritten customs.
Normally, getting a controversial bill passed here was a long and arduous journey.
It would be tossed into a special committee for hearings, dismembered by countless amendments from the opposition, and buried at the bottom of a pile of documents by the Rules Committee until it gathered dust.
These were the delay tactics that lobbying groups excelled at.
If they could just stall long enough, public enthusiasm would cool and the media's attention would shift elsewhere.
At this moment, the lobbyists for the pharmaceutical giants were gathered in the corridor outside the chamber.
Although they had lost a round in the phone call blitz, they were not in despair.
They still had cards to play.
Their briefcases were stuffed with pre-drafted amendments and checks for campaign contributions promised to various representatives.
Their strategy was clear.
Delay.
