By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

FRANKFORT - Monday was a historic day in the State Capitol rotunda for all of Northern Kentucky and particularly the region's Republicans.

For the first time since 1919, a Northern Kentucky Republican was sworn into one of the major constitutional offices.

Park Hills lawyer C.M. "Trey" Grayson, 31, took the oath of office to become Kentucky's new secretary of state. Grayson, a Republican Party activist who had never run for office, was elected in November by beating Louisville Democrat Russ Maple.

As secretary of state, Grayson said he planned to spread civics education to high school classes throughout the state. Grayson also vowed to make sure Kentucky's elections are "fair and honorable" and free from fraud.

Several Northern Kentucky Republicans, including many who worked on Grayson's campaign, traveled to Frankfort for the swearing-in ceremony.

"You can't overemphasize how big this is," said Kenton County GOP Chairman Greg Shumate. "This is not just some nice little win for Northern Kentucky. This is historic. It shows that people from Northern Kentucky, Republican or Democrat, can run statewide and win."

Rep. Paul Marcotte, R-Union, who also attended, called Grayson "an outstanding young man who has a great future."

"He's a Harvard (graduate), a bright guy and a natural at politics," Marcotte said. "If he decides to stay in it, the sky is the limit for him."

Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, who is also chairman of the Kentucky Republican Party, said the entire day was important for the GOP.

"The practical effect is that Republicans now control four of the seven state constitutional offices for the first time in history that I'm aware of," Thayer said. "That's something we are very proud of.

"And Trey's election exemplifies the growing strength Northern Kentucky is having on statewide politics ... And Gov. (Ernie) Fletcher is grateful for the role Northern Kentucky played in his victory and the victory of other Republicans," Thayer said.

Also sworn into office Monday were Democrats Greg Stumbo, attorney general; Crit Luallen, state auditor; and Jonathan Miller, state treasurer. The other Republican sworn in was Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer.

Fletcher and Lt. Gov. Steve Pence, also Republicans, took their oaths of office last month.

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The Associated Press contributed. E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com