Senate

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**FILE** Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, heads to the Senate floor on Sept. 6, 2013, to introduce a resolution for the authorization of military action in support of President Obama's request for a strike against Syria. (Associated Press)

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** FILE ** Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., plays a hand held poker game during a Senate hearing on Syria, Tuesday, September 3, 2013. (Image: CNN screen shot)

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The candy desk, which consistently needs the most maintenance, stands in the back row on the Republican side, close to the most heavily used entrance to the Senate chamber. (senate.gov PHOTOGRAPHS)

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Some desks are considered such historical treasures that the Senate has passed legislation officially assigning them: The "Clay desk" goes to the senior senator from Kentucky.

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Heritage Foundation President Jim DeMint is trying to wield conservative power outside the Senate. (Associated Press)

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Boyd Marcus (right) is a longtime Republican adviser who has supported campaigns such as the failed Senate bid of GOP candidate George Allen last year. (Associated press)

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Fresno cherry farmer and cattle rancher Andy Vidak, who is fluent in Spanish, said he captured the state Senate seat in last week's closely watched runoff vote by connecting with Hispanic voters with a "common-sense" approach that focused on job creation, affordable energy and opposition to big government. (Screen grab from VidakforSenate.com)

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Italian Integration Minister Cecile Kyenge (top right) shakes hands with Senate Vice President Roberto Calderoli (left) inside the Senate in Rome on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Mauro Scrobogna, Lapresse)