Swearing-in January 5th for Blunt, new faces in Jefferson City
From Washington to Jefferson City, January 5th is a big day for new lawmakers, and old lawmakers in new positions.
Topping the list of those taking the oath of office on anuary 5th -- the first day of new sessions for Congress as well as the Missouri General Assembly -- is U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, who formally becomes Sen. Blunt in a ceremony on Capitol Hill.
Enough Missourians are in Washington to see Blunt take office that he has arrange a "viewing party" in the Dirksen Senate Office building with a large projection screen set-up to show the proceedings.
In Jefferson City, new House Speaker Steve Tilley takes control after the chamber's 163 members -- some for the first time, others for the fourth -- are sworn in for a fresh term at noon.
The State Senate reconvened at the same time, welcoming new members such as Franklin County Republican Brian Nieves and University City Democrat Maria Chappelle-Nadal, both of whom are coming over from the House side. Also joining the Senate is Ladue Republican John Lamping, who won a tight contest to replace former State Sen. Joan Bray.
