"In the long journey to statehood and beyond, our Alaska has gained a reputation for surprising people," Murkowski said. "Once written off as 'Seward's Folly,' the state of Alaska is now seen as a natural wonder, a center for arctic research, a first line of defense, and an irreplaceable source of energy to a great nation."

He said time and experience have taught Alaskans that the state motto must be reaffirmed by strong leadership.

"I become your governor today promising Alaska vision, promising Alaska leadership and promising Alaska accountability," Murkowski said.

Joined on stage by Alaska dignitaries such as U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, outgoing Gov. Tony Knowles and outgoing Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer, Murkowski was sworn in by state Supreme Court Justice Walter Carpeneti of Juneau.

Murkowski, 69, became the eighth person to be governor and the first Republican elected to the office since Jay Hammond in 1974.

Former Gov. Walter Hickel, who attended the ceremony, won the office in 1990 under the banner of the Alaskan Independence Party but switched to the Republican Party after being elected.

Hickel, who also served as governor from 1966 to 1969, appointed Murkowski, then 32, as his commissioner of economic development.

After the ceremony, Hickel said Murkowski's emphasis on resource development and growth is important to a young state.

"All pioneering countries need bridges - they've got to look to the future; a state that is 100 years old is different," Hickel said. "You need to plan for the future, whether it's access to public lands or whether it's taking care of necessities."

Murkowski's victory marks the beginning of an era of Republican control of the governor's office and the state House of Representatives and Senate.

"I think it's fair to say that today we meet at a very historic time, full of opportunity and full of promise," Murkowski said. "For the first time in a long time there is unity in the House and Senate, not only in Juneau but as well as Washington, D.C."

Murkowski's daughter, Lisa Murkowski, a Republican representative in the state House, said she doesn't expect a honeymoon period as much as she does a period of adjustment for the new Legislature and administration.

"I don't think we are going to see any great initiatives right out of the chute," she said.

Loren Leman, a 14-year member of the Legislature and Senate majority leader last session, was sworn in as lieutenant governor. Leman said Alaska's staggering size, natural beauty and vast resources pale in comparison to its richest resource: its people.

"Most crucial to our state's success is not the latest program from Washington or Juneau or even high oil prices; success rests squarely on the shoulders of individual Alaskans taking responsibility," Leman said.

Leman thanked his parents for instilling in him strong values that he has used as a legislator.

"They taught my brothers and me the values of honesty, persistence and hard work, and that all people deserve respect," Leman said.

Timothy Inklebarger can be reached at timothyi@juneauempire.com.