By Marshall Griffin, KWMU/AP/KWMU staff
Jefferson City, Mo. –
Listen to Nixon's Inaugural Address:
Jay Nixon is now officially Governor of Missouri.
Thousands of people braved chilly temperatures and the threat of rain in Jefferson City to watch Nixon become Missouri's 55th governor since statehood.
In his address, Nixon promised to focus on pulling the state out of the current economic downturn.
"Too many Missourians can't make ends meet in the job they're in, can't find the job they want, or fear they may lose the job they have...too many Missourians are working harder and harder, but they are not getting ahead," Nixon said.
Nixon told the crowd part of the solution is going after high-tech jobs and making sure the state's workforce is educated enough to perform them.
"The jobs that will lead our nation to energy independence, the jobs that will build fuel-efficient automobiles and energy-efficient homes, the jobs that will develop the life-saving cures of tomorrow...all right here in Missouri," Nixon said.
Nixon emphasized in his address the need for a new tone in Jefferson City, and said that the people of Missouri are tired of political fights.
"The family in Hannibal that's struggling to pay for health care has no appetite for partisan bickering here in Jefferson City...the new father in Rolla who had his job outsourced doesn't care if an economic stimulus plan was written by a Democrat or a Republican...and the small businesswoman struggling to keep the doors open on Main Street doesn't have a lobbyist walking in the halls of the Capitol," Nixon said.
Nixon also encouraged people to engage in public service and volunteerism. He made little mention of one of his top campaign issues: Expanding access to health care.
Nixon took the oath of office on the Capitol steps just before noon from Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Laura Denvir Stith. He used a family Bible that has been passed down through his family since the late 1700s. It was held by his two sons.
Also taking the oath of office today were Attorney General Chris Koster and Treasurer Clint Zweifel.
Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and Secretary of State Robin Carnahan were sworn in to second terms.
Fourteen marching bands, including one from Jay Nixon's alma mater of De Soto High School, serenaded Jay and Georgeanne Nixon as they rode in the back of a red convertible in a parade through the capital city.
The Inaugural Parade
The parade route took the Nixons past the Governor's Mansion before looping around to the Missouri River side of the state Capitol on Monday. Both Nixons turned to look at the gubernatorial residence, with Georgeanne putting her arm around the incoming governor and patting him on the back.
All Missouri's statewide elected officials and the top two legislative leaders were in the parade. Nixon, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, State Auditor Susan Montee and House Speaker Ron Richard rode in convertibles. Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, incoming Treasurer Clint Zweifel, incoming Attorney General Chris Koster and Senate Pro Tem Charlie Shields walked.
The new governor and First Lady spent part of the afternoon greeting the public at the Governor's Mansion. They will also attend the Inaugural Ball tonight at the State Capitol.
And there was a large pot-luck dinner held at the Capital Plaza Hotel in downtown Jefferson City. Nixon's campaign told guests to bring only store-bought cookies, pies and other desserts. The campaign provided burgers and potato salad.