Joe Kernan Sworn In As Indiana Governor

INDIANAPOLIS -- Joe Kernan was sworn in as Indiana's 48th governor Saturday, hours after Frank O'Bannon died in a Chicago Hospital.

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Kernan Takes Oath Joe Kernan's Bio

O'Bannon died Saturday morning five days after suffering a stroke. His condition worsened early Saturday as swelling of his brain increased, according to his office.

The ceremony was held in the Supreme Court chambers at the Statehouse.

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O'Bannon's wife, Judy, attended the swearing-in after flying back to Indianapolis Saturday.

"I have lost my governor and my friend ... so to, as every Hoosier has lost their governor and their friend," Kernan said after he was sworn in.

Following the oath, Kernan and Judy O'Bannon shared a moment where she reassured him of her support and he whispered, "I love you."

Kernan, 57, who was in his second term as lieutenant governor under O'Bannon, had been named acting governor earlier in the week after O'Bannon fell ill.

Kernan must now choose a lieutenant governor, RTV6's Rafael Sanchez reported. Legislators will need to return for a special session approve Kernan's choice.

Kernan was elected mayor of South Bend in 1987, serving for nine years before he was elected lieutenant governor in 1996. He has held the state's second-highest office since 1997.

Kernan joined the Navy after graduating from the University of Notre Dame in his hometown of South Bend in 1968. The son of a pilot, he was flying his 26th mission as a navigator when his aircraft was shot down over North Vietnam in 1972. Kernan survived 11 months as a prisoner of war.

The last time Indiana had an acting governor for any length of time was in 1924. Emmitt Branch took office April 30, 1924, when Gov. Warren McCray was forced to resign after being convicted of mail fraud.

McCray was sentenced to federal prison in Atlanta. Branch left office Jan. 12, 1925, when newly elected Gov. Edward L. Jackson was sworn in.