MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) - The Alabama Senate is shaking up the leadership of the Senate Rules Committee.

Senator Scott Beason of Gardendale will be replaced as Chair by Senator Jabo Waggoner of Vestavia Hills.

Here is the press release from Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh:

Office of Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 15, 2011

 

Waggoner to Serve as Rules Committee Chairman for 2012 Legislative Session

 

MONTGOMERY – The Senate Committee on Assignments announced today that Senator Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) will serve as the Rules Committee Chairman for the 2012 legislative session. The decision comes after much deliberation and careful consideration on the most efficient operation of the Alabama Senate.

 

"There are many realities that led to leadership's decision, and I believe this decision is in the best interest of the Senate body as a whole," said Senator Del Marsh (R-Anniston), who serves as the President Pro Tempore. "Senator Waggoner brings stability to this important committee and his institutional knowledge is unmatched, making this a natural fit."

Statement from Alabama Democrats Chairman Mark Kennedy

Regarding Rules Committee Chairmanship

 

“After almost six months of watching them kick the can down the road, it’s a relief to finally be able to congratulate the Republican Senate Leadership on doing the right thing by stripping Scott Beason of his Rules Committee Chairmanship. This is a powerful post, and whether he’s telling folks to empty the clip on Hispanics or calling black voters ‘Aborigines’ on a federal wire tap, Beason has proven time and time again that he does not have the stature to be a true leader in the State Legislature. We have more important things to do in the upcoming session than hold our breath to see how Scott Beason will embarrass us next, and we are grateful to see the Republicans finally making protecting Alabama a priority over protecting one of their own. ”