Strickland, Fisher take oaths at governor's new office

Both Ted Strickland and Lee Fisher were sworn in as governor and lieutenant governor shortly after midnight. About 50 family members, friends and immediate staff attended today's ceremony.

The bible that Strickland placed his hand upon is owned by the state -- Ohio's oldest bible, printed in 1763. Thomas Kirker, who was Ohio's second governor, used the bible for his oath of office in 1807.

A portrait of Strickland's parents, Carrie and Orville, is to the right of his new desk.

"Everybody come in. Don't be shy," Strickland yelled to his guests, which included his wife, Frances, brother and sisters.

"He acts like a governor even before he's sworn in," Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer said. "That's a good sign."

Moyer administered the oaths of office.

As they were sworn in, the office door's chrome plate carrying Bob Taft's name was removed and Strickland's was screwed in. Taft's name, in gold vinyl on a door leading to the Statehouse lobby, also was replaced with Strickland's name by 12:15 a.m.

Strickland decided to move the main governor's office from the Riffe Office Tower, back to the Statehouse. "This will be his working office," said Keith Dailey, Strickland's spokesman.