Washington – Dr. John Barrasso began his rounds on Capitol Hill on Monday, learning how to be a senator.
Barrasso, a conservative Republican surgeon who was until Monday a Wyoming state senator, was sworn in by Vice President Dick Cheney on Monday afternoon. Gov. Dave Freudenthal selected him to fill the seat of Sen. Craig Thomas, who died June 4 while being treated for leukemia.
At a photo session with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Wyoming’s other senator, Republican Mike Enzi, Barrasso declined to answer any questions, walking out of the room with his new colleagues as a reporter asked how he would vote on an immigration measure.
Barrasso’s week started with easier tasks, such as getting his credentials and learning how to set up his office. But all eyes will be on the rookie senator as a host of controversial issues are debated in the coming days, including immigration and federal funding for the use of embryonic stem cells.
“Today’s a day to celebrate this with family and friends,” he said, dismissing reporters.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada put off a vote on overriding President Bush’s latest stem-cell-research veto until after Thomas’ replacement had been selected.
