While walking down the street one day a “corrupt” Senator (that may be redundant) was tragically hit by a car and died.

He arrives at the entrance to Heaven and is met by St. Peter.

“Welcome to Heaven,” says St. Peter.  “Before you come in, it seems there is a problem.  We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not quite sure of what to do with you.”

“No problem, just let me in,” says the Senator.

“Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from higher up.  What we’ll do is have you spend one day in Heaven and one in Hell.  Then, you can choose where to spend eternity.”

“Really?  I’ve already made up my mind, though.  I want to be in Heaven,” says the Senator.

“I am sorry, but we do have our rules.  First, you’ll visit Heaven.”

So, the Senator joins a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, passing the time playing the harp and singing.  They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

St. Peter then escorts him to an elevator and they go down, down, down to Hell.  The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course.  In the distance is a clubhouse where all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him are standing.  Everyone is very happy to see him.  They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.  Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.  They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go.  Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

“Well, then, you’ve spent a day in Heaven and another in Hell.  Now, choose your eternity.”

The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers, “Well, I would have never said it before, but although Heaven was delightful, I think I would be better off in Hell.”

So, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes back down, down, down to Hell.  This time the doors of the elevator open and he’s in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.

He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls to the ground.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders to welcome him.

“I don’t understand,” stammers the Senator.  “When I was here earlier, there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and we danced and had a great time.  Now, there’s just a wasteland full of garbage and all my friends look miserable.  What happened?”

The devil smiles at him and says, “Earlier we were campaigning; now, you've voted.”

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