Fallin makes history as state's first female governor

“My administration will be focused on creating jobs, growing our state economy, not our state government,” Fallin said after she was sworn in as the state's 27th governor during a noontime outdoor ceremony on the south steps of the state Capitol.

About 1,200 attended the 45-minute ceremony to watch the fourth Republican since Oklahoma became a state in 1907 be sworn in as governor.

Security was tight and U.S. and Oklahoma flags were at half-staff, both reminders of Saturday's shooting of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., who was critically wounded in an attack that killed six people at a political event in Tucson.

Monday's inauguration ceremony was the first public event in Oklahoma involving public officials since the shootings.

Outgoing Democratic Gov. Brad Henry, in one of his last official acts as the state's chief executive, ordered the flags be flown through Friday at half-staff to comply with a proclamation issued by President Barack Obama.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Maj. Rusty Rhoades said the security plan for Monday's inauguration already was in place, but several additional troopers were added as a result of last weekend's incident. More than 50 troopers were stationed at the Capitol for the inauguration ceremony and later in the day as Fallin and other newly state elected officials greeted visitors inside the Capitol.

“We're keenly aware of what happened in Arizona,” he said.

Fallin won 60 percent of the vote in the Nov. 2 election, helping sweep all Republicans on the ballot for statewide office to victory. Except for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy, the others being sworn in Monday were taking their oath for their specific office for the first time.

Fallin said in her speech she wants to build a climate of enterprise where ideas flourish, companies are formed and existing businesses expand.

“Too many Oklahomans are either unemployed or underemployed,” she said. “That's why my administration, along with the Legislature, will focus on policies that create jobs that will build a better and more productive business climate to get Oklahomans back to work.”