House takes a mulligan on the oath of office
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House takes a mulligan on the oath of office

Date: January 14, 2013
By: Brendan Cullerton
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
In Barack Obama 2009 fashion, the Missouri House had to take a mulligan on the oath of office.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Missouri Chief Justice Richard Teitleman incorrectly swore in the House to support the government instead of the Constitution.

Speaker Pro Tem Jason Smith administered the second try, and says the change is necessary to show that the government really works for the people.

Actuality:  SMITH1.WAV
Run Time:  00:08
Description: "When you swear to government it's bureaucracy and all of the different laws. The constitution is what the people made, and what founded our country and founded our state."

Smith says the process was mostly ceremonial.

The documents House members signed when they were sworn in had the correct language.

Smith says this was the first time the oath was incorrect in Missouri history.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Brendan Cullerton.

Intro: 
Governor Jay Nixon was sworn in, and the Missouri House was unexpectedly sworn in for the second time.
RunTime:  0:38
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Nobody was surprised when Nixon was sworn in or gave his inaugural speech, but the House taking a second oath of office turned some heads.

House Speaker Pro Tem Jason Smith says the redo was necessary after Missouri Chief Justice Richard Teitleman incorrectly told House members to swear to support the government instead of the Constitution.  

Actuality:  SMITH2.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: "So many members and citizens across the state said that we needed to stand up and show a symbol that we don't swear to government. We swear to the constitution."

Smith says these things happen, citing Barack Obama's two attempts at the oath of office in 2009.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Brendan Cullerton.