Senate Seating Chart
The open wings of the Senate eagle suggested the semi-circular shape of theSenate's seating chart so I reproduced the desk assignments in the silk-screened image on the printed circuit board of the "Main Piece". The artwork was created in 1980, during Senator Levin's first elected term and the desks, like most privileges in Congress, are assigned by seniority. Levin's seat sat as far from front and center as could be. He has continued to win re-election so now his desk is positioned closer to the center of action.
"Seating chart detail"
The wooden desks, by the way, are 19th century designs of curved dimensions to fit the semi-circle of the Old Senate Chamber.
Many of the desks have individual histories. Since Senator George Murphy (R-CA) made a practice of distributing candy from his desk in the back row, the desk that occupies that position continues to dispense confections.
During the 19th century, Sen. Horace Tabor of Colorado wanted to be assigned his same desk for the next congress, but the Assistant Doorkeeper, Isaac Basset, refused to guarantee him the desk. Sen. Tabor then decided that he would leave his mark on the desktop, and impressed the buttons of his jacket sleeves on the desktop. After Congress adjourned, Bassett had the desktop refinished.
Pallas 1997.
"One of the Boys"