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Blunt sworn in as Missouri's junior U.S. Senator

A photo of now U.S. Senator Roy Blunt's swearing-in ceremony today in Washington, D.C. Pictured above from left: Andy Blunt (Son); Senator Blunt, Charlie Blunt (Son), Abigail Blunt (Wife), Vice President Biden. (via Office of Sen. Roy Blunt)
A photo of now U.S. Senator Roy Blunt's swearing-in ceremony today in Washington, D.C. Pictured above from left: Andy Blunt (Son); Senator Blunt, Charlie Blunt (Son), Abigail Blunt (Wife), Vice President Biden. (via Office of Sen. Roy Blunt)

With the departure of Kit Bond, Missouri has both a new senior senator, Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill, and a new junior senator, Republican Roy Blunt. 

Blunt took his oath with vice president Joe Biden today to make it official.

McCaskill says she's optimistic the new members of the Senatewill be willing to compromise.

"Many of the senators that were elected come from states that had previously had Democrats," McCaskill said, "So, obviously these are not bright red places. These are places like Missouri that is very capable of electing both Democrats and Republicans. And I think those members of the Senate are going to be anxious to find compromise and middle ground."

Republicans now have control of the house and more seats in the Senate.