Marvin Lucas (Peter Boyle), a political election specialist, must find a Democratic Party (United States) candidate to oppose California United States Senate Crocker Jarmon (Don Porter), a popular Republican Party (United States). With no big-name Democrat eager to enter the unwinnable race, Lucas seeks out Bill McKay (Robert Redford), the idealistic, handsome, and charismatic son of former California Governor (U.S.) John J. McKay (Melvyn Douglas).