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The Candy Desk

Unknown to most citizens, the U.S. Senate has a Candy Desk. Generally
staffed by Republican senators and managed by tradition, it has existed for
half-a-century and is responsible for secreting sweet snacks onto the
Senate floor. It is perhaps one of the longest standing circumventions of
their own laws-in this case, the Senate law that prohibits food on the
Senate floor.

It started back when senators once got along, even liked each other. But
about 15 years into it, Democrats decided to have their own Candy Desk.

Kindness, friendship and cooperation left Congress long ago.

The original Candy Desk was begun back when members of congress and their
families often lived in Washington full-time, instead of rushing back home
at every opportunity to politic and raise the $10,000 a day, 365 days a
year needed to win re-election.

Back when money was not King and families and friendships were, members of
congress got to know each other, even like each other. If you are old
enough, you might even remember a few famously odd friends: Tip O'Neill
and Ronald Reagan, or Jack Kennedy and Barry Goldwater.

Washington was different back then. Members of a Congressperson’s family
often lived there, you were in the same social circles of dinner and
Embassy parties, members stuck around, their children went to the same
schools. You were just less likely to call the father of your kid’s best
friend a lying bastard.

Civility won the day and won a lot of good government.

Richard Kimball

Vote Smart President

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