In his latest novel Senator McPherson, author John Sager has created a character who can be at once admired, questioned, but never ignored. From her growing-up years in a small farming community, Sara McPherson morphs into one of America's most influential and resourceful politicians.

Recently graduated from the University of Washington's law school, she catches on as an intern in a prestigious Seattle law firm, successfully defends two of the firm's clients and then is elected to the state's legislature in Olympia.

There, she joins forces with a women legislator of Nez Perce Native American heritage, and the two write and pass legislation that enhances the living standards of Washington's minority and indigent citizens.

She then is elected to represent her state in the national legislature and becomes a well-known and admired lawmaker, eventually rewarded with a seat on the US Senate's Judiciary Committee.

Ms. McPherson's crowning achievement is her appointment as the United States ambassador to the Russian Federation. There, she orchestrates the removal of Russian military personnel who have attempted to control the industrial output of Ukraine and Belarus.

At the end of her illustrious career, the American president recognizes her as one of the nation's most influential and successful politicians and diplomats.