Speaker Seth Hammett of the Alabama House of Representatives, after 32 years serving in the legislature and 12 years as Speaker, presided over his final legislative day when the State House adjourned last week. Speaker Hammett was widely respected for his effective stewardship of the chamber:

Known for his cool and reserved demeanor, Hammett rarely got rattled in the speaker's seat over the years, even when the House members got rambunctious. Hammett said the way to tell when he was getting close to fed up is that he would toss his pencil.

The Andalusia Democrat was adamant about keeping the House orderly and productive, which led to legislators often joking about not fouling up the "speaker's flow chart" -- a plan for the movement of bill's through the House.

Majority Leader Ken Guin, a member of the DLCC Board of Directors, added his own praise for Speaker Hammett, noting “We're all going to miss Seth. I had talked to him throughout the session and had hoped he would reconsider (…) He's been an outstanding speaker, maybe the best in the state's history."

Thank you, Speaker Hammett, for your years of service, and we wish you and your family all the best.

Citing two sources, the Associate Press reports that Republican New York Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno will not seek reelection.