Politics

Missouri's Inauguration Day Arrives For Gov. Nixon And Other Statewide Office Holders

St. Louis Public Radio | By Marshall Griffin,

Marshall Griffin

Published January 14, 2013 at 1:00 AM CST

Missouri’s inauguration day has arrived, as Governor Jay Nixon (D) and several other state office holders prepare to be sworn in.

It’ll be the second term for most of those taking the oath of office, including Democrats Nixon, Attorney General Chris Koster, and State Treasurer Clint Zweifel. Fellow DemocratJason Kander, the incoming Secretary of State, will be the only statewide office newcomer. RepublicanLt. Governor Peter Kinderwill be taking the oath of office for the third time, and his third term may prove to be very short if his bid to replace southeast Missouri Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R) succeeds.

It’ll be a cold event, with temperatures expected to be in the mid to upper 20’s in Jefferson City during the late morning and midday hours, and thousands of people are expected to turn out. Today’s events kick off at 8:30 a.m. with a worship service at First Baptist Church, Jefferson City, followed at 10:00 a.m. by a parade in downtown Jefferson City, followed by the inauguration ceremony at 11:15 on the South Lawn of the Capitol. The afternoon features a first-ever inaugural barbecue showcase, and tonight – the Grand March and inaugural ball at the State Capitol.

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Marshall Griffin

Missouri Public Radio State House Reporter Marshall Griffin is a proud alumnus of the University of Mississippi (a.k.a., Ole Miss), and has been in radio for over 20 years, starting out as a deejay. His big break in news came when the first President Bush ordered the invasion of Panama in 1989. Marshall was working the graveyard shift at a rock station, and began ripping news bulletins off the old AP teletype and reading updates between songs. From there on, his radio career turned toward news reporting and anchoring. In 1999, he became the capital bureau chief for Florida's Radio Networks, and in 2003 he became News Director at WFSU-FM/Florida Public Radio. During his time in Tallahassee he covered seven legislative sessions, Governor Jeb Bush's administration, four hurricanes, the Terri Schiavo saga, and the 2000 presidential recount. Before coming to Missouri, he enjoyed a brief stint in the Blue Ridge Mountains, reporting and anchoring for WWNC-AM in Asheville, North Carolina. Marshall lives in Jefferson City with his wife, Julie, their dogs, Max and Mason, and their cat, Honey.

See stories by Marshall Griffin

Marshall Griffin

St. Louis Public Radio State House Reporter Marshall Griffin is a native of Mississippi and proud alumnus of Ole Miss (welcome to the SEC, Mizzou!). He has been in radio for over 20 years, starting out as a deejay. His big break in news came when the first President Bush ordered the invasion of Panama in 1989. Marshall was working the graveyard shift at a rock station, and began ripping news bulletins off an old AP teletype and reading updates between songs. From there on, his radio career turned toward news reporting and anchoring. In 1999, he became the capital bureau chief for Florida's Radio Networks, and in 2003 he became News Director at WFSU-FM/Florida Public Radio. During his time in Tallahassee he covered seven legislative sessions, Governor Jeb Bush's administration, four hurricanes, the Terri Schiavo saga, and the 2000 presidential recount. Before coming to Missouri, he enjoyed a brief stint in the Blue Ridge Mountains, reporting and anchoring for WWNC-AM in Asheville, North Carolina. Marshall lives in Jefferson City with his wife, Julie, their dogs, Max and Liberty Belle, and their cat, Honey.