Connecticut isn't just getting a new governor tomorrow: In Washington, Senator-elect Richard Blumenthal will be sworn in during a noontime ceremony rich with tradition.
As precedent dictates, Blumenthal will walk down the aisle in the Senate chamber with a fellow Senator. Customarily, it is the other senator from the senator-elect's home state; in Blumenthal's case, he will be accompanied by the man he is replacing, retiring Sen. Christopher Dodd.
Vice President Joe Biden will administer the oath of office. Because photographs are not allowed in the chamber, the entire swearing-in ceremony will be reenacted in the Old Senate Chamber so photographers can capture the event.
Blumenthal, incidentally, will be the only Democrat to be sworn in tomorrow. Freshman Democrats Chris Coons of Delaware and Joe Manchin of West Virginia were both sworn in on Nov. 15 because they were elected to fill vacancies.