Government/Politics

DeWine Says He'll Bring Public Inauguration Ceremony Back To The Statehouse

The Statehouse News Bureau | By Karen Kasler

Published December 11, 2018 at 11:43 AM EST

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Gov. Ted Strickland held his public inauguration ceremony on the west steps of the Statehouse in January 2007.

OGT

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Gov. John Kasich held both his public inaugurations in the Ohio Theatre across the street from the Statehouse. His second inauguration in January 2015 featured a highly-produced video and a choir.

Andy Chow

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Hundreds of people packed Mike DeWine's first inauguration as Attorney General in the Statehouse Rotunda in January 2011.

Karen Kasler

Gov.-elect Mike DeWine is giving a few hints about his inauguration next month.

DeWine first wanted to run for governor nearly three decades ago. So he’s had a long time to think about what he wants.

“My goal is to be sworn in in the Capitol in the Rotunda. I was sworn in there the two times for Attorney General, and I would hope to be sworn in in the Capitol when I become governor of the state,” DeWine said.

John Kasich held both his ceremonial inaugurations at the Ohio Theatre on Capitol Square. In 2007, Ted Strickland was sworn in on a stage on the west steps of the Statehouse.

As for DeWine’s official oath of office at midnight on January 14 – he could do that at his historic home in Cedarville in Green County, at the Statehouse, or somewhere else.

DeWine also plans at least one public event specifically designed to include families.