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Businessman. Before World state of war I, Truman had lost m aney in mine and oil investments. In 1919, he and his friend Eddie Jacobson invested their savings in a mens clothing store in Kansas City. They worked hard, keeping the store dissonant from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., notwithstanding the business failed during the severe recession that began in 1921. Truman worked about 15 years to pay the store debts. Political raceDiscouraged by the failure of the store, Truman decided to seek a move in politics. He received help from "Big Tom" Pendergast, the representative Party boss of Kansas City. Pendergasts nephew had known and admired Truman in the Army. Pendergast led one of the strongest political motorcars in the United States. He decided that Truman could win votes because of his bring forth background, his war record, and his friendly personality. County judge. Pendergast supported Truman in his campaign for election as county judge of Jackson County. This post in Miss ouri resembled that of county commissioner in other states. Truman won the election, and served from 1922 to 1924. He lost the 1924 election because of a split in local Democratic forces. Truman attended the Kansas City School of Law during the mid-1920s, but did not obtain a degree. He served as presiding county judge from 1926 to 1934. The Pendergast machine was notoriously dishonest, but Truman won a reputation for honesty and efficiency. He supervised new projects financed by $14 million in measure funds and bond issues. U.S. senator. In 1934, again with Pendergasts support, Truman was elected to the United States Senate. As a member of the Senate Interstate Commerce Committee, Truman directed an investigation of line finances. His staff found damaging evidence about many of Trumans friends in Missouri, but he ordered the investigation completed. A major dissolver was the Transportation Act of 1940, which regulated railroad financing. Also during this time, a presidency stu dy of the Pendergast political machine disclosed vote frauds and shady monetary dealings. Pendergast pleaded guilty to income tax evasion, and he and many of his followers were sent to prison. The scandals did not touch Truman, but he refused to disclaim Pendergast. In 1940, Truman won reelection to the Senate. The Truman Committee. In 1940, although the United States was not formally involved in World War II, the nations defense spending rose to huge sums. Truman realized that the defense causa created many opportunities for waste and corruption.