MinnPost photo by James Nord

Sen. Pam Wolf chats with her pastor, Ron Hanson, one of about 20 supporters on hand for opening day of the Legislature.

Sen. Pam Wolf, R-Spring Lake Park, charged out of her Capitol office this morning to double-check that she had a ticket to attend her noon swearing-in ceremony. She came back relieved to know everything was fine - and was met by a group of about 20 beaming family members, friends and supporters.

Wolf, who is beginning her first term, is part of a giant class of freshman lawmakers — 24 senators and 36 representatives — who haven’t served in their respective house ever before.

She chatted briefly with her pastor, Ron Hanson of New Brighton Christian Church, who attended the first day of the 2011 legislative session to “show [my] support and the support of our congregation.”

MinnPost photo by James Nord

Family and friends packed the Senate balconies to overflowing for today’s ceremonies.

More than 140 friends and family members crowded into the Senate chamber’s balconies to watch the 67 senators take their oaths, and even more well-wishers spilled onto the floor. Sergeant at Arms Sven Lindquist estimated that about 450 attendees came to congratulate the lawmakers.

The state Capitol buzzed with activity as families toured the building, trailing excited lawmakers.

“I think people forget how much work family members do for candidates during the election cycle,” said Rep. Mary Liz Holberg, R-Lakeville, who is serving her seventh term. “This is the day they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor.”

The families watched as each member of the Senate was called forward district by district. In the end, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Skjerven Gildea led the entire contingent in the oath of office.

Roughly 90 percent of the newly elected legislators in both houses are Republicans, following their historic takeover on Nov. 2. In all, about a third of senators and more than a quarter of representatives are beginning their first term.

Recognizing the challenges facing the Republican-controlled Legislature makes first-term Sen. Carla Nelson happy for the support in her district. “I’m very thankful for it, the Rochester Republican said. “It’s going to be a difficult session.”

During Nelson’s first term in the House in 2003, a bus filled with 40 supporters made the trip to visit, and about the same number of friends and family turned out this time, too.

For many people, the opening legislative ceremonies are their first opportunity to visit the Capitol, Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said during her speech.

Others have to take in the scene from afar.

“My students will all hopefully be watching at noon” on TV, Wolf, a schoolteacher, said.

James Nord, a student at the University of Minnesota, is a MinnPost intern.