AH, THE SYMBOLISM – AT 9:44 P.M. ET:  There are these little moments that make politics occasionally bearable.  From The Hill:

Senate Republicans on Monday formally claimed President Obama’s former Senate seat with the swearing-in of Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.).

As is customary, Kirk was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden twice — once on the Senate floor, which is closed to photographers, and again down the hall in the Old Senate Chamber, in front of the media. Questions from reporters were not allowed.

A five-term congressman whose district stretched north of the Chicago area, along Lake Michigan, Kirk beat out Illinois state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) on Nov. 2 with 56 percent of the vote, after a bitter contest marked by inartful campaigns on both sides.

Because the campaign was a special election to fill out the remainder of Obama’s elected term in the Senate, Kirk is allowed to participate in the lame-duck session. Paperwork delays prevented him from being seated earlier.

COMMENT:  Kirk's victory was more convincing than had been expected by pollsters.  While an excellent congressman, he had flawed campaign.  He had to admit exaggerating some aspects of his service record.  But he was clearly superior to his opponent, a bit of a shady character with ties to a shady bank.  Even in Illinois this can count.

November 29, 2010