Missouri's attorney general for the past sixteen years, Democrat Jay Nixon was sworn in as the state's 55th governor on Monday. The oath of office administered to him at noon brought along his promise of "a new day" for the state that has been facing historic challenges.

It was on the crumbling black leather cover of the 1700s family Bible - held by his two sons - on which Nixon placed his hand to take the oath, with his wife by his side. In the distance, a 19-gun salute from heavy artillery followed the swearing-in ceremony.

Along with Nixon, four other statewide office holders who were sworn-in include Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Attorney General Chris Koster, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and Treasurer Clint Zweifel.

Having made "A New Day for Missouri" his inaugural theme, the new governor repeated parts of the phrase nearly a dozen times during the course of his speech.

Acknowledging the need of the state to push forward with new technologies and in new industries, Nixon said: "Today, we make a fresh start. It's a day on which we separate the shortcomings of yesterday from the hope of tomorrow."

Nixon, 52, who succeeds Republican Gov. Matt Blunt, takes over with the state with a likely $342 million budget deficit and with more than 200,000 unemployed Missourians looking for jobs towards the end of 2008. Saying that the state must "embrace science, not fear it," Nixon said the state specifically needs to create jobs that can bring about energy independence and increased efficiency.