Support still stuns veteran Hill

By Harold J. Adams
hjadams@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Many times before, Baron Hill has taken the congressional oath of office, including his official swearing in Thursday in Washington to become a member of the 110th Congress.

But Hill, D-9th District, was clearly nervous yesterday when he placed his hand on a Bible held by his wife, Betty, and U.S. District Judge David Hamilton administered the oath again in a ceremonial proceeding.

A standing ovation from a crowd of about 150 in the main courtroom of New Albany's Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building left Hill visibly moved as he entered.

"I'm a little trembly here," he said after taking the oath.

He said he was expecting perhaps 25 or 50 people. Instead, the triumphant return of Hill, who served three terms before he was defeated two years ago by Republican Mike Sodrel, drew a crowd that filled the court's gallery and jury seats and spilled out the door.

Completing the oath with an emphatic "So help me God!" Hill was congratulated by Judge Hamilton and received another standing ovation from his supporters.

Then he took to the podium and talked about his priorities during the second chance that voters handed him in November.

Hill said that since then, voters at various places have told him: "We've given you your chance. Don't disappoint us."

Hill said voters wanted change, and he said that's what Democrats have begun to deliver.

Read more on Baron Hill at the Courier-Journal website.