 Bart and Lisa go fishing downstream of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, and Springfield Shopper reporter Dave Shutton pulls up just as Bart catches a three-eyed fish, much to both the kids'and Shutton's surprise. The fish, nicknamed Blinky by the media, makes headlines around the state, and incumbent governor Mary Bailey calls in a government inspection team to investigate nuclear waste coming from the plant that could have caused the fish to mutate. After the inspection, the plant's owner, Mr. Burns, is presented with a list of 342 violations, which would cost $ 56 million to rectify. Distraught, Burns talks to plant employee Homer, who half-heartedly suggests Burns run for governor against Bailey so that he could change the standards and prevent the plant from being shut down. Burns instantly pounces on the idea.
