U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan was sworn in Tuesday.

The Greensboro Democrat, one of the election season's unlikeliest candidates, became the second woman and the first Democrat since John Edwards to represent North Carolina.

Shortly before the ceremony, she joined fellow senators on the floor in her seat, next to freshman Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.

With office assignments not yet made, she remains in a cramped space in the basement of the Dirksen building, where she held a reception for visitors.

Stopping by the office reception were North Carolina residents and lobbyists, including representatives from the Farm Bureau, the Sierra Club and Womble Carlyle, a Winston-Salem law firm.

Hagan has requested spots on the armed services and banking committees. (N&O)