BOISE - The budget belt-tightening and government downsizing that defined Gov. Butch Otter's first term will become standard operating practices in his second term, he said Friday.

Otter, who led states in suing the federal government over the health care overhaul, also vowed to keep pushing back against mandates from Washington, D.C., during the next four years.

"Responsible management of state government, spending, and pushing back against federal intrusion and our sovereignty are important parts of my job as your governor," Otter said after taking the oath of office on the front steps of the Capitol.

"You will see that what started as emergency measures taken in response to the Great Recession's impact on Idaho become standard operating practices in our state government," he said.

The 68-year-old Republican was sworn in as Idaho's 32nd governor. He also promised to continue promoting a solid business environment as the state crawls from the economic downturn into recovery.

Idaho's unemployment rate ticked up from 9.4 percent to 9.5 percent in December and was higher than the national average for the first time in nearly a decade, the state Department of Labor said Friday.

"My thoughts are with the 70,000 Idahoans who are out of work, many through no fault of their own," Otter said. "Those of us in state government are more committed than ever to addressing the root of our economic woes by tapping into the enterprising spirit of our communities, our families, and individual men and women to create new opportunities."

In his bid for re-election, Otter touted his administration's decision not to raise taxes to balance the 2011 budget, instead relying on cuts including millions of dollars from public education.

Voters overwhelmingly chose Otter's libertarian-leaning style and steadfast vow to challenge the federal government at every turn. Otter was re-elected with nearly 60 percent of the vote in November.

Lt. Gov. Brad Little, Secretary of State Ben Ysursa, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, state Controller Donna Jones, State Treasurer Ron Crane and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna were also given their oaths of office by Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Daniel Eismann.

Wasden become the longest-serving attorney general in Idaho history.

Otter's inaugural address kicked off a series of events and galas Friday night and today.

Among other things, the governor and his wife, Idaho first lady Lori Otter, are expected to attend an inaugural concert featuring country singer Jo Dee Messina.

The governor is a Caldwell native who previously served as an Idaho lieutenant governor and represented Idaho's 1st District in Congress.

Online:

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter: http://gov.idaho.gov