While walking down the street one day, a senator is tragically hit by a truck and killed. His soul arrives in Heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

“Welcome to Heaven,” says St. Peter. “Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not exactly sure 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 Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.”

“There’s no need! I want to be in Heaven,” says the senator.

“I’m sorry, but we have our rules.” And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator, the doors open, and he rides the elevator down, down, down. When the doors open again, the senator finds himself in the middle of a beautiful, sprawling green golf course. In the distance is a club, and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone there is very happy and in formal dress. They run to greet him, and they 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 and fine caviar.

Also present at the golf course is the Devil, who seems a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that, before the senator realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug 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.

The next 24 hours pass with the senator amongst a group of contented, smiling souls moving from cloud to cloud, 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.

“Well, you’ve spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now, you must choose where you want to spend eternity.”

He reflects for a minute and then answers, “Well, I would never would have thought it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better satisfied in Hell.”

So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator, and down, down, down he goes into Hell. Now, the doors of the elevator open, and he is in the middle of a dismal land covered with stinking filth and garbage. He sees all his friends dressed in soiled rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. It is hot, hot, so hot, and the odor is just horrible.

Sweltering hot. Hot and miserable. The Devil walks over to him and smoothly lays his arm around his shoulder.

“I don’t understand,” stammers the senator. “A day ago I was here, and there was a golf course and club, and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now this is just a wasteland full of filth and garbage, and my friends look utterly miserable.”

The Devil looks at the senator, smiles, and says, “Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted for us. Welcome to Hell.”