Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, Susan Collins, and Amy Klobuchar sport blue and white for "Senate Seersucker Thursday"

AP

So today is "Seersucker Thursday" at the Senate. The tradition, started by former Sen. Trent Lott, was a way for Senators to take break away from their suits and ties and enjoy some more comfortable clothes in the summer heat. Spotted taking part were Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AL). What do you think of the tradition? Yea or Nay?

Former Sen. Blanche Lincoln joins DC Law Firm Alston and Bird

Former U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln recently joined Alston & Bird, one of the nation's leading law firms, as a special policy adviser. 

She was first elected to the Senate in 1998 and was the young woman ever elected to the Senate at the age of 38. During her time in the Senate, she worked on rural and farming issues, and was the first woman to chair the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. She lost her seat last November in a bitter fight with Rep. John Boozman of Arkansas. 

Many other members of Congress have joined Alston and Bird after leaving Capitol Hill including Bob Dole and Rep. Earl Pomeroy. 

Photo of the Day: Sen. Olympia Snowe shares a laugh

Tom Williams

Now isn't this cute. A reporter and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) share a laugh before she heads into a senate republican policy luncheon on Capitol Hill. 

Sen. Snowe leads effort to support women's rights in Middle East

Getty

Sen. Olympia Snowe (ME-R) has introduced legislation in the Senate pressing world leaders in North African and the Middle East to honor the rights of women in their countries. In addition to Sen. Snowe, the other 16 women in the Senate have signed on and are supporting this historic legislation.

From the Office of Senator Snowe:

“Essential to the success and stability of any government is the equal voice and participation of women,” said Senator Snowe. “The spirit and devotion exemplified by women in North Africa and the Middle East – and the ongoing challenges they continue to face – is both an inspiration to us all and a reminder that discrimination and gender-based violence endures around the world. I honor their commitment to ensuring future generations enjoy the guaranteed equality and basic human rights for which they endeavor to this day and remain steadfast in my commitment to these universal liberties.”

Oath of Office: Kirsten Gillibrand

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was sworn in yesterday with her husband Jonathan and their son Theo by her side.

The New York Times spotlights Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

Ms. Gillibrand walks along the Senate halls

Ms. Gillibrand speaks at a news conference about the 9/11 Responders bill

In an article published on the front page of the New York Times on Thursday, author Drew Angerer highlights Sen. Gillibrand rise in notoriety over the past couple of weeks. As an outspoken advocate of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" and the 9/11 First Responders bills, Ms. Gillibrand emerged as a fearless leader after their passage on Wednesday. When both of the bills were stalled in the Senate. the mother of two, would give rousing speeches and news conferences demanding for their passage. And with that people began to notice - the opening of the article reads....

The spotlight was shining on her at last, and Kirsten E. Gillibrand, the oft-overshadowed junior senator from New York, did not hold back. Pounding the lectern on the Senate floor, raising her voice almost to a shout, Ms. Gillibrand hectored, reasoned with and sought to shame her colleagues into ending the 17-year-old ban on gays’ serving openly in the military. “If you care about national security, if you care about our military readiness,” she demanded, “then you will repeal this corrosive policy.” - The New York Times

While we here at Political Girl have always recognized the talents of the 43 year old successor to Hillary Clinton, its good to know that the rest of the world is paying attention too. Go Kirsten!!!

Tweets: Sen. Claire McCaskill tweets grandchildren

On of the most popular Capitol Hill tweeters, Sen. Claire McCaskill tweeted yesterday this gorgeous photo of her grandsons. As you many know, the Senate is still in session and might continue through the Christmas holiday. While I sympathize with all the Senators still working, I never understand why the Senate always wait till the last minute to bring bills to the floor. If I remember correctly, they did this last year when they were trying to finish up the healthcare bill.
 

Twitter

One major reason I am looking forward to Christmas. My grandsons. @clairecmc