Kaine Takes Reins With a Nod To History and Bipartisanship

WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 14 -- Timothy Michael Kaine became Virginia's 70th governor Saturday afternoon after swearing his oath of office in the Colonial-era capital city where Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated 227 years ago.

In a ceremony rich with the texture of the nation's early history, Kaine evoked the 18th-century legacies of Jefferson and Patrick Henry but also vowed to embrace the 21st-century bipartisanship of his immediate predecessor, fellow Democrat Mark R. Warner.

"The promise of Virginia is bright today because of their efforts, and it is up to us to carry the work forward for future generations," he told a crowd of about 5,000. "Our challenges today are different than those faced by the Jamestown settlers or the first Virginia governors. But they require fidelity to the same values."

Speaking for nearly 15 minutes, Kaine promised education would be "our top priority" and said he would ensure that "your dollars are used responsibly" and that "every hardworking Virginian -- no matter where they live -- has access to a good-paying job to provide for their family."

And in a nod to the state's growing immigrant population, particularly in Northern Virginia, he called on those already here to welcome newcomers. Speaking at one point in Spanish, he promised to be "fair and inclusive of all communities" and pledged to formally recognize Virginia's Indian tribes.

Thousands of people from across the state gathered on bleachers and along Duke of Gloucester Street in cold, rainy weather to see Kaine assume the title of "His Excellency" from Warner, who, by tradition, quietly stepped away from the podium after the oath was given.

By the time Kaine started his speech, Warner and his wife, Lisa Collis, were on their way out of Williamsburg.

Immediately after taking his oath, Kaine signed six executive orders, including one that renews Warner's decision to extend anti-discrimination protection to gay men and lesbians working for the state.

The weather was brisk but bright as the day dawned. But as the skies darkened and rain began to fall, officials and invited guests donned clear plastic ponchos. Many in the crowd said the day reminded them of the bleak, frigid Saturday 12 years ago when George Allen (R) was inaugurated.

Kaine walked out without a poncho in a steady rain, accompanied by his wife and children.

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Leroy R. Hassell Sr. first administered the oath of office to Robert F. McDonnell (R), the new attorney general, and Bill Bolling (R), the lieutenant governor. Then the governor-elect placed his left hand on a Bible and raised his right hand to become Warner's successor.

When he finished, Revolution-era cannons boomed the traditional 19-volley salute for the governor, and Kaine was presented with a cannonball fired earlier this month. Watching the cannon blasts and waiting for the right moment to begin his speech, Kaine whispered to House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), "I should have kept count."