The shad treatment — Garrett Epps

An All the King's Men for Virginia, The Shad Treatment vividly chronicles politics in the Old Dominion during the Byrd regime's decline in the 1970s. Thomas Jefferson "Tom Jeff" Shadwell is leading a "people's crusade" to liberate the Governor's Mansion from the grip of the conservative political machine that has controlled the state for fifty years. Against him are ranged the powerful forces that have kept the state back for so long--unreconstructed race-baiting politicians, gentleman farmers, giant corporations, and the "best families." The campaign promises to be the toughest, dirtiest, and most brutal in decades. But for Mac Evans, key aide in the Shadwell campaign, the election offers one last chance for his family to gain vindication and respect after years or defeat and ridicule. Inspired by events and personalities from the heated 1973 gubernatorial election.