STEVE GOSS SWORN IN AS N.C. SENATOR

It was standing-room-only in the Ashe County Courthouse this a.m., as Steve Goss was sworn in as the new Democratic senator from the 45th district ... the "miracle candidate," who wasn't given much of a chance of beating Republican David Blust last November 7th but who pulled out a victory that stunned everybody and sent shock waves all the way to Raleigh.

"Steve Goss always beats the odds," said his daughter Kelly Sechrist. He was the first in his family to attend a four-year college, and he was the first person to reach "level 5 language competency" as a Baptist missionary in Japan years ago. Naturally, he would beat the odds again to give the 45th Senate dist. (Wilkes, Alexander, Ashe, and Watauga counties) Democratic representation in Raleigh for the first time in many years.

Goss took the oath with his hand resting on a Bible in his wife Phyllis' hands, opened to Romans 8:28: "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose."

Steve Goss is a man of faith, and he's also a progressive Democrat. He's hit the ground running, with the needs of the 45th district upper-most in his mind. He's going to make us a great state senator!