Lying in State is a zany swipe at politics and politicians when Senator Ed accidentally kills himself with a stray bullet while shooting at squirrels.

In David C. Hyer's political comedy, grievers who gather at the funeral parlor include Ed's ex-wife, who Ed shot accidentally in the caboose, and his fiancé Buttons, a former exotic dancer. Buttons also has a past with the Governor who comes to pay his respects. The play poses the question: Shouldn't Ed run for re-election even though he's dead?