Before newly elected Rep. Steve Stivers gave his speech, Jon Husted, the new Ohio secretary of state, addressed the crowd.
Republican Husted will hold a seat on the state board that will redraw legislative districts. Husted has the power to redraw the districts to benefit his party for future elections.
“It’s been a long campaign,” he said, “The longest job interview I’ve ever had.”
Husted beat Democrat Maryellen O’Shaughnessy after his campaign was found last week making false claims about O’Shaughnessy in a political advertisement.
“I promise you the 2012 election will be run with honor and integrity,” he said.
O’Shaughnessy recognized that the voters have spoken.
“There is a place in our American political discourse for a loyal opposition,” she said.
Husted was serving his first term in the Ohio Senate and served four years as speaker of the Ohio House beginning in 2005.