A crucial banking bill is at risk when political rivals of environmentally sensitive President Bartlet attach a land-use rider to it that would allow strip-mining some of the Montana wilderness. C.J. tries to stamp out rumors that the Chief Executive chastised the Vice President during a cabinet meeting.

An overworked Leo isn't too keen on his independent daughter Mallory, dating the handsome Sam. C.J. continues to fend-off the romantic charms of a perceptive reporter with a knack for sniffing out juicy stories. Former lovers Mandy and Josh clash over the administration's attempt to jettison the land-use rider that might also ruin passage of the more important banking bill.

original airdate--November 17,1999

music--Theme song--West Wing Main Title by W.G. Snuffy Walden

1. "Hail To The Chielf" by James Sanderson
2. "Canon In D Major" by Johann Pachelbel