California: Barbara Matthews

STATE CAPITOL - For at least a few hours, Republicans and Democrats alike exchanged well wishes and paused to acknowledge the significance of elected office, with swearing-in ceremonies in both the state Senate and Assembly chambers Monday.

Before the formal swearing in of 24 new Assembly members and 11 new state Senators, family members and friends crowded the chamber floors, while the new and returning politicians made acquaintances with fellows on both sides of the aisle.