How It All Goes Down
Hap
- With Nucky gone, the Atlantic City political machine needs a new boss. That boss in Frank "Hap" Farley.
- Let's go back in time for a second. During Nucky's trial, it becomes clear that his time at the top is over. Naturally this leads to a power struggle, with two men emerging as the lead candidates—our boy Hap and Atlantic City mayor Thomas Taggart.
- Born in Philly, Taggart is a lawyer who quickly rose through the ranks in the Atlantic City Republican Party. Taggart has a secret, however: He's gay. Although his friends and inner circle know this and accept him for it, it could become a big scandal if it reached the public.
- But then Taggart makes a mistake. Instead of going with his officially chosen running mate, Taggart tries to convince his bosses to go with a different dude. The bosses are quite displeased to have their authority flaunted like this.
- Enter Hap Farley. Hap is an Atlantic City native, born and bred within the city's political machine. He's also a really disciplined guy—"'monastic' best describes his devotion to Atlantic City's politics" (7.17). Although Hap went to school to become a lawyer, he quickly realizes that the real money is in politics, so he goes about making social connections with major political players, most notably by playing pickup games of basketball.
- In 1937, Hap runs for state assembly and wins handily. The battle for boss-hood has begun.
- By the end of 1940, Taggart's power has gone to his head. He starts wandering around the city "sporting pearl-handled six shooters on his hips" (7.34) like an olde tyme sheriff, vowing to end corruption. In truth, though, he's only trying to consolidate his power.
- Hap doesn't take this lying down. After making Taggart's homosexuality public, Hap has Taggart stripped of his power. With that, his road to ascension is wide open.
- His power solidified, Hap then turns to the state senate. He quickly becomes a major power player, fostering relationships with his fellow senators and holding a great deal of sway over the legislative process.
- Then World War II hits. This is a good thing for Atlantic City, as it becomes "used as a training center for tens of thousands of American GIs" (7.49). Unfortunately, this also mean that the vice industry will have to go underground for a few years.
- In 1943, Walter Edge is once again elected governor. This is huge deal for Hap and he becomes the majority leader for the Republican Party in the state senate. That's power, son.
- By 1950, the army has cleared out and the city's illegal businesses are back in full force. Led by three men—Jack Portock, Fred Warlich, and Francis Gribbin—the city's police force revolts, fighting for better wages by raiding brothels and gambling houses.
- Although this revolt is crushed, it plays a big role in "the Keafauver Committee" (7.69), yet another federal investigation into governmental corruption. Though the hearings do some minor damage to Hap's organization, it doesn't take long until it's business as usual once again.