South Carolina Republican Strom Thurmond became the first US Senator to turn 100 in office today. Thurmond, who has served in that chamber longer than anyone else, 48 years, will retire when the new Congress takes the oath next month. Over his long career he has symbolized resistance to desegregation and the pragmatic acceptance of the South's new politics. NPR's congressional correspondent David Welna had this report. (5:30)
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