Schwarzenegger Sworn in as California's 38th Governor
By: Administrative Account | Source: CNSNews.com
November 17, 2003 5:02PM EST

By Randy Hall
CNSNews.com Evening Editor
November 17, 2003

(CNSNews.com) - "Today is a new day in California," said Arnold Schwarzenegger after taking the oath of office on Monday to become the new governor of that state.

"I am humbled, moved and honored beyond words," the Republican winner of the Oct. 7 recall election noted. "I took the oath to serve you," he said regarding the people of California. "I will not forget my oath, and I will not forget you."

Schwarzenegger stated that the recall election was "not about changing one man, but about changing the political climate in this state."

During his campaign throughout the state, the new governor said, he saw a "public hunger for elected officials to work together." In the end, he noted, the recall was "the people's veto of politics as usual."

Schwarzenegger said his administration - which includes Democrats, Republicans and Independents - would not be about politics, but about saving California, which had endured earthquakes, floods, and most recently, fires. He then praised the efforts of all those who battled the wildfires that devastated an extensive area in the southern part of the state.

"We will rebuild the state together," Schwarzenegger said.

"We are stronger than we know," the new governor added in a reference to his past as a body builder and weightlifter, claiming that he has an "immigrant's optimism" regarding California, which he called "the golden dream by the sea."

After the inauguration, Schwarzenegger's first act in office was to sign a repeal of the 300 percent increase in the state's car tax that many believe began the recall of former Gov. Gray Davis.

Before taking part in a series of luncheons, the new governor also signed an order to convene a special session of the state government on Tuesday to begin addressing the financial woes facing California.

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