Swearing-in ceremony brings moments of levity

As legislators and onlookers filled the House chamber, seven officials stood-by ready to be sworn-in. When it was time to take their oaths, levity was a common theme.

Bob Ferguson’s swearing-in as Attorney General was met with a large grin from Ferguson and laughter from lawmakers and onlookers when Supreme Court Justice Steven Gonzalez included the actual RCW code numbers Ferguson’s oath.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman was visibly choked up during her swearing-in. During her brief address, she thanked her family and alluded to her successful ascension of the stairs and tears of joy. “I didn’t trip,” Wyman said. “I just cried.”

Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, sworn-in for his second term, acknowledged his family’s absence from the ceremony saying,"I just want to assure everyone I still have a family,” Dorn said.“My family and my wife all work in the education system and they want to save their personal days for a vacation.”

Lt. Gov. Brad Owen was sworn-in for another term while his mother looked-on. He said he thought his mother was watching from the gallery and said he was surprised to see “the short one who looks a lot like me” when he turned around.