Stutts Sworn In As Alabama State Senator

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Republican Larry Stutts was sworn in Friday as a state senator, saying he expects no changes from a mandatory recount of his razor-thin victory over a veteran Democrat.

Stutts says he took the oath of office Friday to represent north Alabama’s Senate District 6.

Official election returns show Stutts defeating seven-term state senator Roger Bedford by just 67 votes. The close margin triggered a mandatory recount, which will take place Monday.

Bedford has not yet conceded the race, but says he is at peace with the idea of leaving the Alabama Senate.

He says is proud of his record and will remain on the job until the last vote is counted.

Bedford was first elected to the Alabama Legislature in 1982.