Trivia: Martin Sheen also played the President in the mini series "Kennedy" and in another character's vision in 1983's The Dead Zone.
Trivia: Martin Sheen's daughter, Renee, plays President Bartlet's assistant Nancy. Since she doesn't use her father's stage name, Nancy is credited by her birth name "Estevez."
Trivia: Not only did Martin Sheen play JFK in a TV miniseries, but Tim Matheson (VP John Hoynes) also played JFK in a 2000 miniseries "Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis".
Trivia: Janel Moloney (Donna Moss) was originally intended to be a rarely seen or heard background player (similar to Tobey and Sam's assistants). But very quickly, her banter and rapport with Josh became a fan favorite and she was promptly made a regular cast member and given much more screen time. When Mandy was dropped from the show after season one, Moira Kelly's name and image were dropped from the opening credits, replaced by Janel. As they say, "There are no small parts. Only small actors."
Answer: It's in reference to the many televangelists and revival ministers usually associated with the right-wing that have been convicted of tax fraud (Jim Bakker and Tamy Faye being a more famous set). Occasionally, the more unscrupulous ministers have bilked millions from believers all in the name of God.
Nikki