Governor and Mrs. Beshear, Lieutenant Governor Mongiardo, members of the Judiciary and the General Assembly, fellow constitutional officers, other distinguished guests and fellow citizens, I stand before you humbled by the confidence you have placed in me to continue my service to the Commonwealth.  I continue to ask for your blessings as I shoulder the responsibilities you have bestowed upon me.

It is gratifying to see so many friends here who share the same passion, hopefulness, and vision for a more united and prosperous Kentucky -- a state where innovation is at the forefront and an entrepreneurial spirit is uplifted, celebrated, and encouraged.

Last November we made history by selecting both Democrats and Republicans to lead this state, and each leader was selected by wide margins.  It is time that the leaders of this Commonwealth deliver what our citizens resoundingly requested -- a government where Democrats, Independents, and Republicans work together for the common good.

Without question, it is time for our Commonwealth -- and its leaders -- to stop living in the past. While our history may define who we are, it does not have to define who we are to become. Instead, it is time for Kentucky to forge a new and un-charted path marked with unity, risk and innovation.

As leaders, we must find a way to set aside our partisan differences to make lasting improvements in our state. Any official who ignores these clear expectations from our fellow citizens does so at his or her own peril. Partisanship is the old way of thinking. Kentuckians demand a new vision for our state.

That is why I join Governor Beshear in a call to unite Kentucky. Governor, as a leader of the Republican Party in Kentucky, I look forward to working with you and elected officials from all backgrounds to find new paths for our state to take. As you have said, it doesn’t matter who comes up with an idea, as long as it is a good idea for the people of Kentucky.

Governor, I have a few of those good ideas myself, and it is time that we work together to get things done.

We should begin by abolishing straight-ticket voting and other relics of the past that only serve to divide us. We should also work together to provide early voting and voter verified paper records for all Kentuckians. After all, these aren’t Republican or Democratic ideas. They are simply good ideas.

I know first hand that this approach can work. Over the last four years, we’ve strengthened our election laws, begun to restore civic education to our classrooms, and used innovation to make government more accessible, all by focusing on the people of Kentucky, not the political stripes that we wear.

We will build upon these efforts, as we continue to set an example for what government should be like -- a government where actions are not taken simply for political gain.

This state cannot afford to look at things as we have for decades. After all, where has this old approach taken us?  We must chart a new course – one that expects unity, allows for risk and inspires innovation to give us hope for a greater tomorrow. We cannot afford to fear failure because too many are relying on us for a brighter future.

And when roadblocks obstruct our path, we will prevail – together – so that Kentucky moves forward.

While this vision of Kentucky may be difficult to see, we need only turn to our favorite son for inspiration to face the tasks that lie ahead. In Abraham Lincoln’s second address to Congress he noted:

“The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, we must think anew and act anew.”

Lincoln was right. Old ideas will not solve the problems our Commonwealth faces. We must take risks and deliver innovative solutions to fix what ails us.

With all of us working together and, with the Grace of God, I am confident we will rise to the occasion.

May God bless you and may God continue to bless our Commonwealth and nation.