Constitutional officers sworn in at capitol

Frankfort, Ky (WTVQ): Five Republican constitutional officers were sworn into office Tuesday during a public ceremony, after private ceremonies Monday.

“With that I am thrilled to have an opportunity to be here today in this most improbable thing, which is a crowd in Frankfort that is not at least 100% democratic,” said Senator Mitch McConnel, making the trip down from D.C. for the event.

Treasurer Mark Metcalf, Auditor of Public Accounts Allision Ball, and Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, as well as Secretary of State Michael Adams and Attorney General Russell Coleman all took the oaths. Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman were sworn in, in December.

“Three weeks ago, it was all Democrats, and today’s it’s all Republicans,” Adams said. “But were all working together already right off the bat in partnership and good faith to make Kentucky better.”

Adams says his biggest goal is to run a smooth election this year. This is his fifth year as Secretary of State. He says four years ago, there was record turnout. “I had emergency powers I don’t have today so it’s going to be tricky to run a smooth election.,” he said. “So, I’m already working with legislators and the county clerks to make this election as smooth as possible.”

Russell Coleman, looking back at his FBI roots, said, “Each of us on our team have a similar responsibility now to go to the problem, to go to the threat because that’s what we ask our law enforcement officers.”

Coleman says his goal is to prioritize safety for families. “God protect the men and women who wear the badge in our commonwealth and the people of Kentucky, now let’s get to work,” he said.