The South Dakota Democrat said he was humbled by his new position, and mindful that his duty was maintain an air of productivity and civility in the closely divided chamber.

CNN: Democrats settle into power in the Senate

Republicans, meanwhile, characterized Shays, Meehan and the House Democrats as sore sports, saying they were trying to cut off debate because they did not have enough votes in the closely divided chamber.

CNN: Campaign finance sponsors vow to continue

Republicans, meanwhile, characterized Shays, Meehan and most of the House Democrats as sore sports, saying they were trying to cut off debate because they did not have enough votes in the closely divided chamber.

CNN: Campaign finance reform dies in House for now

The outer layers are made of acrylic plastic and the vacuum chamber in the middle is divided into three or four watertight compartments stacked on top of one another.

ECONOMIST: Cataracts

McCain and Feingold were successful in the Senate back in April because the chamber was -- at the time -- evenly divided, with 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats.

CNN: House members cast eyes toward finance debate

The Conservatives hold just 144 of the chamber's 308 seats, and rule largely because the opposition is divided.

ECONOMIST: Canada's armed forces

But a draw in the sense of a divided government, with one party in charge of the White House and another in charge of at least one chamber of Congress.

ECONOMIST: Lexington