The “candy desk” is where a supply of candy is kept in the U.S. Senate.
Sen. George Murphy (R-CA) originated the practice of keeping a supply of candy in his desk for the enjoyment of his colleagues in 1965.
Soon after he entered the Senate, the former Hollywood actor began stocking his desk with candy to gratify his sweet tooth. A few years later, Murphy moved to an aisle desk on the last row.
Given the high traffic of senators that regularly passed by his new desk, Murphy invited other senators to help themselves to his candy supply.
It wasn’t long before his desk became known to all as the “candy desk.”
After Murphy left the Senate in 1971, other senators who occupied the desk at that location carried on the tradition of keeping it well stocked with various mints, hard candies and chocolates.
Since no food is technically allowed in the Senate, the candy desk is a favorite of senators during tedious stretches, like a vote-a-rama or impeachment trial.
Given the candy desk’s last-row location — on the Republican side of the aisle — its custodians have typically been members in their freshman term.
If the Cherokee Strip was needed again in the Senate, the candy desk might need to be moved.
Use of “Candy Desk” in a sentence
- The candy desk is a small, wooden desk in the United States Senate that is known for its historical significance and for the fact that it is often stocked with candy.
- The tradition of keeping candy on the candy desk is thought to have originated with Sen. George Murphy, and it has continued to the present day.