Sanford Bishop

The scene in Americus was the sort of choreographed routine that was once central to the playbook of members of Congress.

Local officials posed around the giant baby blue ceremonial check, applauding as the mayor positioned it on an easel in view of the television cameras.

The cardboard check included the symbolic signature of the U.S. Congress in its bottom right corner. In truth, the money — $1.7 million earmarked for streetscape improvements for the small city’s downtown — was due in no small part to the efforts of the quiet, bespectacled man who smiled at the center of the group.

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