As right-hand man to Mayor Randall Winston, Deputy Mayor Michael Flaherty knows how to handle the most difficult situations. Others on the Mayor's staff include: Paul, the neurotic press secretary; Janelle, the Mayor's assistant; Stuart, the chief of staff, who covets Michael's job; James, the idealistic speechwriter from the Midwest; Nikki, the efficient accountant with a star-crossed personal life; and Carter, a gay activist, who is special assistant for minority affairs. The fourth season introduces character Caitlin Moore, the Mayor's ambitious senatorial campaign manager.