The GQ candidate

the long version

"After a sex scandal brings down a local politician, Luke Cooper finds himself catapulted into the Michigan Governor's mansion, making him one of the few black and--by virtue of adoption--Jewish elected officials to hold such an office. His national celebrity is increased when he heroically saves the life of an avowed racist, and his good looks and charm earn him the nickname "The GQ Candidate." One day Luke stuns his inner circle by informing them that he has decided to run for president of the United States. His friends offer to help out with the campaign but a fundraiser, hosted by Luke's good friend, becomes the subject of an incredibly negative gossip item that threatens to jeopardize the campaign. Meanwhile, Luke's wife is ambivalent about her husband's political aspirations, and grows increasingly wary of life in the spotlight. The GQ Candidate gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at what happens in the lives of candidates, and the people closest to them, when the cameras aren't rolling. In addition to the story of the campaign, the novel also follows the lives of Luke's tight knit circle of friends and reveals how his amazing race changes their lives forever"-- "A debut novel from political analyst Keli Goff about the lives affected when a charismatic African American/Jewish governor runs for president"--