Faith Based Initiative

"Faith Based Initiative" is the 120th episode of The West Wing.

Plot

A Senator attaches a rider to the federal budget bill that would ban gay marriage, almost daring the President to veto it. President Bartlet remains weakened by his MS, and his staffers (as well as the VP, who is disgusted by the homophobia of the measure but doesn't think torpedoing a new budget is worth combating it) try and fail to dissuade the Senator, but the President finally has a meeting with him and gets the measure removed from the budget bill. The Internet is rampant with a story that questions CJ's sexual orientation, and it is only fueled further when the White House refuses to dignify the allegations by putting out a statement. Toby and C.J. talk about the importance of symbols and C.J. stands up for herself in front of the press and says "it's none of their business". Donna joins Vice President Russell's campaign staff and heads for New Hampshire, while Santos decides that he will run for President if Josh will run his campaign. Josh returns to the White House, has an unpleasant encounter with Donna's overly mouthy temp replacement, and accepts Santos's challenge.

External links

• The West Wing Episode Guide