Senators reelect Marsh president pro tem

Alabama state senators reelected Del Marsh as president pro tem of the Senate on Tuesday.

By law, legislators must meet in January following the November election to elect leaders including Senate president pro tem and House speaker.

But, Gov. Bob Riley called a special session in December and lawmakers had to vote for their leadership then.

Lawmakers reelected Rep. Mike Hubbard, R- Auburn, as House speaker and Marsh, R-Anniston, as Senate president pro tem.

"We made the right choice in selecting Senator Marsh as our president pro tem of the Senate," said Senate Majority Leader Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills. " ... I think it was proved during the special session that he was a guy of great integrity and great talent."

Senators reelected Marsh 29-0 with several members missing or late due to weather elsewhere in the state.

Marsh was joined by his wife, Ginger, and his daughter, Christine, but said his son Justin was not able to make it because he was "still celebrating in Glendale." Some legislators rushed back from Arizona early Tuesday after Auburn won the college football national championship.

Marsh promised to be fair as president pro tem. He said he expects the men and women in the Senate "to make history."

"I am honored you have chosen me to take us in that direction," he said in a very brief speech after his election.

Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, said she also supported Marsh's selection as president pro tem.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen