Before a standing-room-only crowd, Cullie Tarleton took the oath of office in what he said was an emotional time for him and his family. Tarleton, a retired broadcaster from Blowing Rock, was sworn in as the state representative for North Carolina’s District 93 on Saturday. The ceremony was held in the Watauga County Administration Building in Boone, in keeping with Tarleton’s desire to be sworn in locally rather than in Raleigh.

He said the beginning of his term was a milestone he’d been working toward for several years, including his 2004 loss to the man he beat in November, incumbent Republican Gene Wilson. Tarleton said the successful campaign started the day after that first loss, and also said he was honored by the turnout of about 200 supporters for the ceremony.

“You’ve humbled me by your presence,” Tarleton told the audience. “You’ve humbled me with your support, and for that I am grateful.”

Tarleton also gave credit to N.C. Senator Steve Goss, who was sworn in during a ceremony in Ashe County the week before. Tarleton said “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” and that he attempted to model his ceremony on Goss’s, who had said it was important to start the term in the territory he would be representing in Raleigh.

Tarleton, whose district includes Watauga and Ashe counties, drew a number of county and local government officials to the event. Ashe County Register of Deeds Shirley Wallace delivered the oath, after an invocation from the Rev. Charles Carter and a rendition of the national anthem by Laurie Nicholson. Tarleton used the Masonic edition of the King James Bible for the ceremony, which he said he received 40 years ago while taking a pledge to serve God and his fellow man, and said, “Today I reaffirm that oath.”

He said he had been having discussions with Joe Hackney, who is expected to be elected Speaker of the House of Representatives when the legislative session convenes. Tarleton also said he had requested committee assignments for the coming term.

Most of those in attendance were Democrat Party faithful whom Tarleton credited with his election. Politicians on hand included Watauga County commissioners Jim Deal, John Cooper and Winston Kinsey and Ashe County commissioner Richard Blackburn.

Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman and Ashe County Sheriff James Williams were also on hand, along with Watauga Clerk of Court Glenn Hodges, N.C. Rep. Ray Warren of Alexander County, Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson and Boone council member Bunk Spann. Dan Besse, a 2008 candidate for North Carolina Lieutenant Governor, was also introduced.

Tarleton delivered a message of unity despite the strong Democratic tone of the event. “The election’s over,” Tarleton said. “Now is the time to deliver and to serve and make things happen regardless of party affiliation. When someone calls our office with a question, I don’t ask party affiliation.”

He said his legislative assistant, Rachel Dupree, would be working with him on constituent issues. He also spoke of his mother, now 93, who is in a nursing facility in Marshville recovering from a broken leg. Many audience members stayed for a reception afterward, and while Tarleton had preached party unity, some felt the election was a turning point for Democrats.

Randy Rawson, who had supported Tarleton and worked on the campaign, said she wanted to personally witness the culmination of the party’s hard work. “It’s exciting the Democrats have won so many elections and I think it really shows that people want change,” she said.

David Crawford, Democratic chairman for the Fifth Congressional District, said, “For us, it’s just a demonstration that we can organize and get people out to vote. It reaffirms our belief that our ideas are supported by people in both parties. Especially with the (registration) numbers the way they are in the region, we know we have to appeal across party lines. It’s good organization and a good message.”