By KWMU/AP
Jefferson City, MO. – 
Governor Matt Blunt was sworn in as Missouri's 54th governor Monday.
The Republican said in his inaugural address that education is his top priority. That was followed closely by better jobs and what he described as
"smaller and more responsible government."
The 34-year old Springfield native also claimed to have a mandate.
"I promised change in our state Capitol. Missourians mandated change in both the tone and the priorities of our state government," Blunt said. "Change begins today, at this hour, in this place."
But Senate Democratic leader Maida Coleman says Blunt should not call it a mandate because he won, by what she calls, a small margin.
"The fact that he won, that's fine, but was it a mandate... no," Coleman said.
"The agenda is not a mandate. He's being sent here because majority rules, and let's hope that we can work together to make some good things happen."
Coleman says she's eager to hear what priorities Blunt will lay out when he gives his state of the state address. The speech is tentatively scheduled for later this month.
Blunt was sworn in a few minutes after noon, with his hand on two Bibles. One is the Bible Blunt reads daily, and the other is meant for the first couple's son, due in March.
To hear a report from Missy Shelton on the inauguration, click on the 'listen' icon above.