 Bill Sterling, Jr. - a non-politico teacher at a Los Angeles correctional facility - is selected by the governor of California as a replacement for a deceased U.S. Senator, primarily thanks to the popularity of his father, a former governor. Upon arrival in Washington, Senator Sterling declares that he is not a member of either major political party. He approaches his job with a refreshing honesty and vibrance that breeds loyalty and fascination in his staff and bitterness among his colleagues.