Christie becomes NJ’s 55th governor

TRENTON - Christopher J. Christie was sworn in today as New Jersey's 55th governor, taking the helm of a state facing multibillion budget gaps and weighed down with the highest property taxes in the nation.

In a little bit of history, his running mate, Kim Guadagno, was sworn in as the Garden State's first lieutenant governor. In a bit of cost saving, she also will serve as New Jersey's secretary of state.

"Rarely in New Jersey's history have we faced the challenges we face today," Christie said shortly after his swearing in. "There is fear and uncertainty. But fear and uncertainty are not necessary and do not have to be permanent. We have the tools for a brighter future, if we change direction. To the people of New Jersey, I say this: you voted for change. And today, change has arrived.

Inaugural events began at 8:30 a.m. with a mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. The swearing in was held at the War Memorial in Trenton.

"When Abraham Lincoln came to New Jersey in February of 1861, awaiting his swearing in as president of a nation on the verge of rupture, he said while visiting the people of Newark: 'Without the people I cannot hope to succeed; with them I cannot fail,'" Christie said. "So today, the time for change has arrived. Today, change is here. And I ask not only for God s blessing, but for your help.

Christie, 47, a former U.S. attorney, replaces Jon Corzine, who failed to win a second term. Christie becomes the first Republican governor in eight years.

Corzine spent his last full day in office signing dozens of bills, including ones that legalized medical marijuana and ended state control of Camden.