After a private swearing in last night, Eliot Spitzer became New York's governor. But the public proceedings will begin this afternoon, when Spitzer takes the oath of office again and delivers his inaugural speech.
According to an excerpt, Spitzer will tell the assembled that "Over the last decade, we have seen what can happen when our government stands still in the face of great challenge and inevitable change," a clear swipe at former Gov. George Pataki.
Pataki and his wife, Libby, who will be on hand for the speech, greeted Spitzer and his wife, Silda Wall, on the east steps of the state capitol this morning. As Eliot and Silda walked up, Pataki said, “Good morning, governor.”
While they greeted each other, the sun broke slightly, and Spitzer said, “It’s a prospect of what’s ahead.”