Senator Jim Talent has taken an administrative oath that allows him to set up office, hire a staff, and manage the budget for his U.S. Senate office. The ceremonial swearing-in took place in St. Louis. It’s a procedural step that gives him the authority to do some of the paperwork necessary to make his office fully functional. Talent actually became a U.S. Senator on Saturday, replacing Senator Jean Carnahan, whom he defeated in the November 5th election.