WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) said that his new seat assignment in the Senate chamber is the historic "Candy Desk."
"Holding the Senate Candy Desk provides me an opportunity to promote employment among Illinois candy makers," said Kirk. "Chicagoland is the center of this industry with over 3,400 jobs represented by the participating Illinois companies."
In 1965, Senator George Murphy (R-Calif.) originated the practice of keeping a supply of candy in his desk for his fellow senators. In every Congress since that time, the candy desk has been located in the back area [image-nocss] of the Republican side, close to the chamber's most heavily used entrance.
Kirk volunteered for the Candy Desk assignment with possible competition from Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), who represents Pennsylvania, including a large number of jobs associated with Hershey's candy of Hershey, Pa.
Senator Kirk will provide the Illinois-made candies to the Senate at his expense.
Products from the following Illinois companies will be represented in the Senate Candy Desk: Wrigley, Chicago. Tootsie Roll Industries, Chicago. Lambs Farm, Libertyville. Garrett Popcorn, Chicago. Blommer Chocolate Co., Chicago. Long Grove Confectionary, Buffalo Grove. Jelly Belly, North Chicago. Illinois Nut & Candy, Skokie. Ferrera Pan Candy Co., Forest Park.
Each company will be named an "Official Provider to the U.S. Senate Candy Desk."
The Candy Desk tradition continued after Murphy left the Senate in 1971. In the ensuing years, Senators fulfilled this roll including Paul Fannin (R-Ariz.), Harrison Schmitt (R-N.M.), Roger Jepsen (R-Iowa), Steve Symms (R-Idaho), Slade Gorton (R-Wash.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Jim Jeffords (R-Vt.), Bob Bennett (R-Utah), Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), Craig Thomas (R-Idaho), George Voinovich (R-Ohio), Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and George LeMieux (R-Fla.) and now Kirk.
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