Credit for this one goes to Lottie, an adventurous lady who lives out west...

While walking down the street one day, a US Senator is tragically struck by a car and dies instantly. His soul arrives at the Gates of Heaven where he is met by St. Peter.

"Welcome to Heaven!" says St. Peter. "Before you settle in though, it seems we have a slight problem. We seldom see a high public official around these parts, so we're not quite sure what to do with you."

“Just open the gates and let me in," states the Senator.

Well, I'd like to do just that, but I have orders from higher up. What we're going to do is have you spend one day in hell and one day in heaven. Then you may elect where you want to spend eternity."

"Really, I've already made up my mind...I just want to be in heaven," says the Senator.

"I'm really sorry, but we do have our rules." says St. Peter.

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the grand elevator which he takes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a beautiful green golf course. In the distance is a magnificent clubhouse, and standing in front of it are some of his former friends and politicians.

Everyone is very happy and dressed nicely. 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. Then they play a friendly round of golf, and later dine on lobster, caviar, and the finest champagne. Also present is the devil, who is really a very friendly guy having a good time dancing and telling jokes with everyone. They are having such a good time that before he realized it, the 24 hours was up and it was time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves as the elevator door closes.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door opens once again to heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, the Senator walks in and joins a group of peaceful and contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing their harps and singing sweetly. Once again the Senator has a good time, and before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, now that you've spent a day in hell and another day in heaven...you may choose where you want to spend eternity."

The senator reflects for a moment, and then answers. "Well, I never would have said it before, I mean heaven has been quite delightful and all, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter slowly escorts him to the elevator and he goes back to hell. As the doors of the elevator open, he finds himself in the middle of a dark and barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees his same friends, now dressed in rags, picking up the trash, and putting it in black bags as more trash continues to fall from above. The devil comes over to him and puts a arm around his shoulder.

"I don't understand?" stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a wonderful golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and drank champagne...and we danced and had a great time! Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends all look miserable! What happened??"

The devil looks at him with a big smile and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning... today you voted!"