Iowa’s new "First Family" appeared in the spotlight this morning. Governor Chet Culver claimed the hand of four-year-old son, John. His wife Mari held five-year-old daughter Claire’s hand as the Culver family walked onto the stage in Des Moines where Culver later took the oath of office. Culver opened his Inaugural Address with a formal thank you to the people of Iowa.
"Today is the greatest honor in my life and I want to thank Iowans for their confidence, their support and their prayers," Culver said. "I also want to thank God for the many blessings in my life." After a few moments of acknowledging the dignitaries in the room, Culver issued a very public thank you to his family. Four-year-old John joined in the clapping. "Let me just say — Team Culver — this is going to be a very fun journey for all of us," Culver said, laughing. Culver also paid tribute to his father, former U.S. Senator John Culver, who was in the crowd.