Democrat Ted Strickland has been sworn in as governor of Ohio, ending 16 years of Republican control in the state that tipped the election for President Bush in 2004.
In a midnight ceremony today, Strickland replaced the term-limited Bob Taft. Strickland now holds political control of a state that both parties view as critical to a White House victory in 2008. Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher took his oath of office just before Strickland was sworn in by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Thomas Moyer.
Strickland then signed his oath and an executive order limiting the gifts he and other members of his administration can accept. While in office, Taft pleaded no contest to failing to report golf outings and other gifts.
