Republicans select Marsh as Senate leader

Senate Republicans voted Thursday for Sen. Del Marsh of Anniston to be the president pro tem of the Senate when they organize.
With Republicans holding 22 of the 35 seats in the Senate, Marsh is expected to receive that vote from senators when they organize either in January or in a special session called by the governor before that.
Sen. Jabo Waggoner of Vestavia Hills was selected as majority leader.
Marsh helped raise money for the Republican effort to take control of the Alabama House of Representatives and the Senate.
During a caucus meeting at the Alabama Forestry Association, Republicans selected Marsh over Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale, who also entered his name in the race.
The pro tem helps the lieutenant governor to assign bills to committee and has other management responsibilities.
During the Thursday meeting, Republicans also heard from governor-elect Robert Bentley and state Treasurer Kay Ivey, who was elected lieutenant governor on Tuesday.
Republicans in the House of Representatives are also expected to select their choice as speaker of the House during meetings today.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen