Kasich sworn in to second term at midnight

COLUMBUS — Gov. John Kasich officially entered his second term in office after midnight, urging Ohioans to help renew the state and the country.

"We have a great opportunity to renew the spirit of our nation as we renew the spirit of our state," the governor told attendees at his swearing-in ceremony. "I mean this from the bottom of my heart: If we can unite Ohioans to begin to care about the people who live next door and maybe about the people that we don't even know... If we can do that, we can begin to renew not just our state but, again, renew the spirit of our country."

Kasich's inauguration activities continue through the day, with a midday speech and an evening gala.

Sunday night, he, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and members of his cabinet took their oaths of office during a short ceremony at the Statehouse.

The governor likely added fuel to speculation fires about a potential presidential run in 2016, telling attendees in brief comments that Ohio's example could serve as inspiration for the nation.

"I can't think of a more important mission to the Buckeye State, the great middle of America, really the heart of it all, the new Ohio, that we now have a chance to make permanent history and as a generation to renew our friends in other parts of America and the generations that are yet to come," he said. "That's our purpose, that's our mission. And we hope the Good Lord will bless us and make us care and understand and come together. That's what we need in Ohio, and it's what we need in America."