Leo understood.
Sanders wanted an ideological victory.
"That's not a problem, but Pittsburgh needs more support."
"What do you want?" Sanders asked.
"I want money."
Leo's answer was blunt and to the point.
"To truly establish this as a showcase, we need a major investment at the federal level."
"I've already spoken with Murphy."
Leo said matter-of-factly, "I told him to get ready to introduce a federal appropriations bill in Washington aimed specifically at the transformation of post-industrial cities."
"For a total of two billion US dollars."
"We want to direct this money toward the Western Pennsylvania City Cluster, with Pittsburgh as its core."
"Hold on a second."
Sanders suddenly cut Leo off, his voice on the other end of the line turning cold in an instant.
"What did you just say?"
Sanders asked, his tone laced with a disquieting pressure.
"You said you spoke with Murphy?"
Leo froze for a moment.
