For the first time in 12 years, the state of Idaho has a new governor.
Brad Little took the oath of office today [Friday] during a ceremony on the Statehouse steps in Boise. He replaces Butch Otter, who served three terms as chief executive of the Gem State. Little ascends to the top office after 10 years as lieutenant governor.
In a short speech after the swearing in, Little vowed to carry on with the approach Otter used during his time in office.
“I will work to reflect our shared Idaho values and aspirations. This means making all decisions through one lens, the lens of ensuring the best possible opportunity for us, our children and our grandchildren to remain in Idaho, to thrive and enjoy our unparalleled quality of life," Little said.
In addition to Little’s swearing in, Idaho’s other statewide elected officials took their oaths of office.
The inaugural ceremony ceremony was mostly for show; the governor’s office put out a statement today saying his official swearing in will be administered during a private ceremony on Monday. Little is also scheduled to give his first State of the State address before a joint session of the legislature on Monday.