Mr. Willis has replaced his deceased wife in Congress as part of a real life practice called widow's succession. Although rare in modern times, this has occurred regularly in the early 20th century. Only members of the Senate are appointed in such circumstances; members of the House of Representatives stand for a special election.
On the podcast West Wing Weekly, actor Richard Schiff (Toby) said the on-set TV in the final scene of this episode was blank, so he had nothing to react to. When Toby is watching with admiration as Mr. Willis cast his only vote, Schiff said he was actually imagining what it would be like to have sex with Allison Janney.
President Bartlet (Martin Sheen)'s reference to a "malted" [milkshake] is compared to the Thornton Wilder play Our Town, set in 1900-13. Bartlett mentions that he once played the Stage Manager (the lead role) in a production.
Two actors playing the minor roles of Frat Boys in the episode, Blake Shields and Eric Balfour, went on to have starring roles in television programs.
Bradley James was again credited as an Unnamed Secret Service Agent. In later episodes his character is named Donnie.