Swearing-In
Jan. 3, 2000
The ceremony today is a small one compared to the inaugural we will have in two weeks, but it is no less important.
Today is the day when Delaware is in remarkable shape, thanks to eight years of leadership under Tom Carper, and for that I am proud.
Today is the day when Delaware has its first woman Governor, and for that I am proud.
And today is the day when Delaware has a Governor who has served in both the state House and the state Senate, and for that I am proud as well.
Delaware, more so than other states, has a history of legislators and governors, Democrats and Republicans, working together. That is the tradition I come from and one that I firmly intend to continue.
That’s why you see both houses of the General Assembly, and both sides of the aisle, represented here today. And I thank each of them for sharing this day with me.
When I began in government, I never dreamed that I would come so far. But at each level, though I have made progress, I have felt that there was more to do. That’s what has brought me to this point.
So I will begin today in earnest. I have chosen what I believe will be a tremendous cabinet and I, with the understanding of my friends in the Senate, will put them to work this afternoon.
There is much to be done and I want to get started. Those of you who know me know I am not shy. To me, these extra 13 days are an opportunity not to be squandered.
So I will begin my work today, with my old friends in the General Assembly and my new friends in my cabinet.
I look forward to talking in more detail on the 16th about where our state has been and where I want us to go.
For today, I thank my family and friends, my supporters and staff, and most of all, I thank the people of Delaware for this wonderful opportunity.
I pledge to do my best – for the next 13 days and the next four years.
Thank you.
