Harry Truman had been one of three key lieutenants of Kansas City boss Tom Pendergast. Truman controlled the county government, while another lieutenant, Mafia boss Johnny Lazia, carried out murders and other crimes as required to keep the machine in power. In this book Thomas Reppetto examines the complex relationship between the American Mafia and corrupt politicians, looking at how they have asserted influence over the nation's affairs. B/w photographs