In Arizona, Politics Is Reigning Women

Several states inaugurated new leaders Monday, with Arizona becoming the first state to have an all-female line of succession.

Republican Gov. Jane Dee Hull took the oath in Phoenix from Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and was followed by Secretary of State Betsey Bayless, Atty. Gen. Janet Napolitano, Treasurer Carol Springer and Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Graham Keegan.

Arizona has no lieutenant governor.

Hull, who served the final 16 months of Fife Symington’s term after he was convicted of loan fraud, said her priorities include lower taxes, the environment, health care and new millennium computer woes.

Among the inaugural highlights elsewhere:

NEVADA

Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn promised to give his best in dealing with big issues facing the state--including a budget shortfall that could hit $135 million.

WISCONSIN

Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, a potential GOP presidential candidate in 2000, began his fourth four-year term, which he has said will be his last. The state’s longest-serving governor said his goals include making health care accessible to all families and overhauling state programs that provide long-term care for the elderly.

WYOMING

Republican Gov. Jim Geringer donned a black cowboy hat as he climbed the steps of the Capitol to be sworn in for a second four-year term. In his speech, Geringer briefly covered various issues facing the state, including the economy, education and health care. “I won’t cover everything--just enough what your backside can stand,” he said.

IDAHO

Republican Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. senator, pledged to exercise the power that Congress has given back to the states. He reserved other details for his formal gubernatorial inauguration on Friday.

FLORIDA

Republican Gov.-elect Jeb Bush attended a graduation ceremony at Universal Studios in Orlando as part of festivities that will climax with his inauguration today.

His brother, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, will renew his oath in ceremonies Jan. 19.