The Candy Desk

Few traditions associated with Senate furniture are as intriguing as the "candy desk" on the floor of the Senate Chamber. Although the desks on the Senate floor are cared for by the Senate, and not the Architect of the Capitol, they provide a fascinating story to share with friends.

In 1965, Senator George Murphy of California originated the practice of keeping a supply of delicious candy in his desk for his fellow senators. In every Congress since that time, a candy desk has been located in the back row on the Republican side (see diagram above, denoted by the yellow desk location #80) of the aisle and adjacent to the chamber's most heavily used entrance.

Since 1965, the senators who have supplied the desk include:

• George Murphy (R-CA)
• Paul Fannin (R-AZ)
• Richard Lugar (R-IN)
• David Durenberger (R-MN)
• Roger Jepsen (R-IA)
• Steve Symms (R-ID)
• Slade Gorton (R-WA)
• John McCain (R-AZ)
• James Jeffords (R-VT)
• Robert Bennett (R-UT)
• Rick Santorum (R-PA)
• Craig Thomas (R-WY)
• George Voinovich (R-OH)
• Mel Martinez (R-FL)
• George LeMieux (R-FL)
• Mark Kirk (R-IL)

During the 114th Congress, the candy desk is assigned to Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), who plans to provide candy from his home state.

Image

Photo of the Senate Chamber from 2013.

This story is also published in the Spring 2015 issue of AOC's Foundations & Perspectives.

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Editor's Note:
This post has been updated to reflect the correct list of senators and their states.