Kirk will sit at 'Candy Desk'

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk's new seat assignment in the Senate chamber is the historic “Candy Desk,” and he'll use it to promote Illinois candy companies.

“Chicagoland is the center of this industry with over 3,400 jobs represented by the by the participating Illinois companies,” Kirk said in a news release.

In 1965, Sen. George Murphy, a California Republican, originated the practice of keeping a supply of candy in his desk for his fellow senators, according to Kirk's office.

Since then, the “Candy Desk” has been located in the back area of the Republican side, close to the chamber's most heavily used entrance.

Kirk's office said he volunteered for the Candy Desk assignment with possible competition from Sen. Pat Toomey, who represents Pennsylvania and its large number of jobs associated with Hershey's candy of Hershey, Penn.

Kirk will provide the Illinois-made candies to the Senate at his expense. Each manufacturer will be named an “Official Provider to the U.S. Senate Candy Desk.”