His books are packed. His paintings gone. His staff is off for new ventures.

Sen. Bob Bennett officially closed his Washington office this week, leaving behind a few boxes still to be shipped, bare white walls and empty desks. A few staffers remain to handle the final details of closing a Senate office but the rest of his suite in the Dirksen Senate Office building - the one with a grand view of Union Station and Columbus Circle - is empty.

Bennett's official last day is Jan. 4, though with the Senate adjourning today, the 18-year Senate veteran will cast his last votes today and finish clearing out his personal office in the Capitol.

With several senators retiring and others defeated in their re-election hopes, Bennett isn't alone.

Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., who didn't run for another term, walked into the Capitol Wednesday morning toting several bags and his umbrella. Missouri Republican Sen. Kit Bond, who also didn't run, has already left town.

Bennett is still here and plans to support a nuclear arms treaty that may come down to a single vote.

-- Thomas Burr
Twitter.com/thomaswburr