CHARLESTON (AP) — Democrat Earl Ray Tomblin will be sworn this afternoon as the 35th governor of West Virginia during an hour-long ceremony on the steps of the Capitol. Here are some tidbits about the celebration.
CONSTANT COMFORT
The Bible that Tomblin will use was given to his wife, Joanne, when she was confirmed in her Presbyterian church at age 13. He also used it when he was sworn in as a senator in 1980, when he became Senate President in 1995, and twice to serve temporarily as governor.
WARMTH FROM WITHIN
Tomblin will have to rely on his family and friends for warmth: Forecasters are predicting overcast skies, a 40 percent chance of rain and temperatures in the low to mid-40s.
JOINING THE PARTY
Also renewing their oaths are Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, state Treasurer John Perdue and state Auditor Glen Gainer. Newcomers being sworn in are Agriculture Commissioner Walt Helmick and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey
JOYFUL NOISE
The West Virginia National Guard's 249th Army Band from Morgantown will perform the national anthem, while the Appalachian Children's Chorus sings "My Home Among the Hills."
CHANGE OF VENUE
For the first time in more than 30 years, the Charleston Civic Center won't host the inauguration party. Instead, the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences will host the 7 p.m. ball. The performance hall, theater, art galleries and 12,000-square-foot science museum will all be open, but the planetarium is off limits.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
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