Mass. Lawmaker's Widow Sworn In As New Representative

BOSTON (CBS) -- It was a bittersweet swearing in for a new state representative, carrying on her late husband's legacy.

Representative Rhonda Nyman of Hanover was elected to fill the seat held by her late husband Bob for 12 years.

She said Wednesday, "My goal would be to serve the public as my husband did, that would be an awesome goal for me."

WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports.

Bob died suddenly last summer.

"It feels good to carry on the work he did, the legacy, and continue to serve the constituents like he did."

Rhonda says the hardest part was walking in the State House, and sitting at her husband's desk. She says memories of her husband's first swearing in ceremony gives her strength.

"I think back to when we were here when my kids were eight and six at the time."

The Nyman's daughters Kristy and Kara stood by their mother's side, and say they felt their father's presence today. Kara believes her father's advice to her mother would be: "Be yourself. Be true to your constituents and yourself."

Kristy said, "I'm so proud of her and I can't wait to see the great work she's going to do."