Mr. Chief Justice, Lieutenant Governor Krolicki, members of the State Senate and Assembly, honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, constitutional officers, distinguished guests, members of my family, my fellow Nevadans:

First, on behalf of our State, I would like us to take a moment now to express our gratitude to the men and women who are serving in uniform, not only in this state but also around the world, making sacrifices every day to preserve and protect freedom and democracy.

Also, please join me in saluting President Gerald Ford. His lifetime was dedicated in service to God, Country, and freedom. America was blessed to have his leadership and wisdom at a very difficult time in our nation's history.

Next, I wish to thank my predecessor, Governor Guinn, for his many years of service to Nevada.

[Even though he snubbed me and didn't come]

Today, we celebrate the democratic transfer of power from one administration to another.

It is a transfer that was born in the fall and celebrated in the winter, here today; and which by its very nature, heralds the hope of coming Spring and the Summer that follows.

[Spring will be overcast with a smattering of scandals, Summer should see things heat up for the new Gov.]

We now have a unique opportunity and challenge--to take the nearly 143 years of growth and progress that has created the Nevada of today, and set a course for the future.

[Because 139 years was just so blase]

A future that brings together the diverse communities and citizens of this great state into a common cause- One Nevada. Together we can create a new ideal of what it is to live the American Dream.

[Except in Pahrump, there not big on the diversity thing]

One Nevada is a place where all of our communities set aside what separates us, and embrace what unites us from our citizens who mine the earth, drive trucks along our highways, or serve our tourists in our hotels, to those that teach in our schools and those who enforce our laws, we come together ONE Nevada.

[To pick up waitresses, abuse the public trust and make the Top Scandal Lists take just ONE Gibbons]

We are striving to create a better state that will continue to be the envy of all those who seek hope and the opportunity for themselves and their families.

[Nothing brings hope better then a slot machine]

In order to achieve real results for all Nevadans, I know I must reach across the aisle, and understand that the shared patriotism I have with each person here today does not create barriers but builds bridges.

[Clark County you're too damn blue, especially you...Las Vegas]

In order to reclaim the American Dream for all Nevadans, to truly have One Nevada- we must not only build these bridges- we must cross them together.

[Especially when they're built near land owned by public officials]

We must not allow the interest of one part of the State to override
the concerns of another. Some would call that politics. I would call it turning our backs on the lessons of history, for any great society that pits one group against another is bound to fail.

[Indeed, enough of this two-party crap!]

The test of leadership is to find common ground and then to lead the way. That challenge, to find One Nevada is one that we shall not shrink from.

[Leadership should lead!? How prophetic...]

When Nevada's first Governor, James Nye, placed his hand upon the Bible, he affirmed that the supreme executive power of this state shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate, and he solemnly swore to see that all laws are faithfully executed.

[Would that be 143 years ago?]

It is this same oath that I have taken, and I am equal to the challenge.

[So you're a prophet, let's see how your prediction holds up]

On that day in 1864, Governor Nye initiated a long-lasting tradition for governors who, in addition to their constitutional duties, assumed the enormous task of leading the people of Nevada - a tradition of striking the right balance and course for our fledgling population, and determining this rugged western state's destiny.

[Casinos, Casinos, Casinos!]

In the past fifty years, our governors have strived to improve upon what Governor Nye and others had begun. They made the tough decisions; together they oversaw the greatest expansion in Nevada's history and they contributed mightily to the protection of the Nevada way of life.

[They also oversaw the worst times our State has seen ... think about it]

"Letting Nevadans decide what is best for Nevada" is a hallmark of our state that has guided each governor that has served before me, and it shall guide my administration just the same.

[Unless it involves limiting government spending, of course]

Let us strive to strike a balance between listening to the people and governing them. In Ronald Reagan's second inaugural address as Governor of California, he said that "when those who are governed do too little, those who govern can - and often will - do too much."

[So..either we watch you or you do 'too much'? At least your agenda is made clear...]

Fortunately, for the past 143 years, this state has been blessed with leaders who knew just how much to govern and with citizens who set the path for them to be led. That is the balance that we must strive for every day.

[Because we are the utopian idea for all of the universe...kneel non-Nevadans and bask in the glory of our eternal governing perfection]

All of us must share a common vision of one Nevada - which can only become a reality if we agree upon what promises that vision entails.

[Because only through group-think can I control the sheep.]

It is a promise to make all decisions with fiscal discipline and strive to renew our faith in the American Dream, a dream of home ownership, safe streets and bountiful opportunity.

[We're #1, We're #1, Nevada is #1... in home foreclosures]