Cordray's swearing-in is rich with jokes, roasts

More than 300 people jammed the Statehouse Atrium this morning for Treasurer Richard Cordray's swearing-in ceremony.

The event quickly turned into a celebration of the first statewide Democratic victories since 1990.

Gov. Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher made their first public appearances since taking their midnight oaths of office at a private ceremony. Both received standing ovations.

"I want to say to each one of you, welcome to the People's House," Strickland said.

Franklin County Clerk of Courts John O'Grady noted that while Cordray is a former Jeopardy Champion, being perfect is not one of his traits. He has a bad taste for ties, O'Grady said, and Cordray's shoes "frequently aren't tied. There's enough problems with the Worker's Compensation system."

Senate Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty said, "I can't help you with the shoelaces, but I might be able to help you with the ties."

And Mary Ellen Withrow, a former Ohio and U.S. treasurer, said, "It's so great to have a treasurer with the name Rich."

Before offering a speech, Cordray made a joke of his own, saying: "It is a treasured moment to be here."

"We propose to shape an effective course in personal finance education for young and old and in-between," Cordray said in his speech, "to help those who face the anxiety of debt or foreclosure or bankruptcy; to join our new governor and lieutenant governor in stimulating the economy of this state; and to assist our many local officials in better governing their fiscal affairs."

A luncheon was planned for supporters at a nearby hotel. "This will be the last free lunch you will get on Rich Cordray," said state Sen. Ray Miller. "So eat up."

Miller also joked that state Rep. Tyrone K. Yates of Evanston/East Walnut Hills "told me he was holding a fund-raiser right after this program."

The Rev. Hearcel Craig, associate minister of First Church of God, closed his benediction with "Amen. Go Bucks!"