Alabama GOP Caucus Backs McCutcheon for Speaker

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama House Republican Caucus is supporting state Rep. Mac McCutcheon of Monrovia to replace ousted House Speaker Mike Hubbard.

A statement from the group says the 70 members decided unanimously Tuesday to back McCutcheon for the position when legislators begin a special session on Aug. 15.

The move virtually guarantees that McCutcheon will succeed Hubbard, who was automatically removed from office after being convicted of multiple felony ethics charges.

Republicans hold a supermajority in the 105-member House. McCutcheon says in a statement he will treat both Republicans and Democrats with fairness and honor.

McCutcheon is an Army veteran who retired from the Huntsville Police Department. He was elected to the House in 2006 and serves as chairman of the Rules Committee, which sets the agenda for the House.