ALBANY, N.Y. -- Congressman Mike McNulty gaveling out the 110th Congress. Colleagues gave him a standing ovation for his 20 years of service. A few hours later, in McNulty's empty Albany office, Paul Tonko is getting used to his new space. The office walls are almost bare except for a few empty nails. And a few reminders remain, like this Congressional District map from the 108th Congress, with Mike McNulty across the top in block letters.

"There's still a sense of 20 years of tradition, of history that gets exchanged into our hands" said Tonko, (D) 21st District Congressman-Elect

Tonko is also taking over the tradition of flying back and forth weekly between Albany and Washington. He said he still looking for an apartment in the DC area and also looking for a committee assignments that work with his resume.

"I had chaired the energy committee in the state assembly for many years and had implemented programs at NYSERDA," said Tonko.

Resumes continue coming in with 20 or so new hires filling empty desks here and in Washington. But, one old friend is already planting roots in Tonko's office.

"It's probably from the Little Shop of Horrors because it just keeps growing," said Tonko.

It is a Fichus Tree, and it has been with Tonko since he was first elected to the Assembly. Tonko said it was a gift from family and as his career has grown so has the Fichus.

"It started out rather small and made its presence felt," said Tonko.

Something Tonko hopes to do, when the 111th Congress gets to work later this week.