MONTGOMERY — The Alabama House of Representatives bade farewell to the House Majority Whip Randall Shedd (R-Fairview) with a parting House resolution as he prepares to depart the body to join the staff of new State Sen. Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman).
Shedd, who has served in the House since 2013, will leave to join Gudger's staff for the remainder of the legislative session.
House lawmakers gathered on Thursday to conduct the day's business, but only after honoring Shedd with a resolution recognizing his time in the body.
SEE ALSO: State Rep. Randall Shedd resigning to join State Sen. Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger's staff
House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) was first to the podium, offering well wishes and introducing the resolution.
"I think there's a void after today that's going be hard to replace and fill because the member has given so much to us in guidance and direction," Stadthagen said. "And people like myself, as a freshman in [20]18, that look up [to]. This is the bar you need to be to be a stateman, and that's what he is."
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) also took the podium to remember Shedd's time in the body.
"When I ran for speaker, I called Randall and asked him if he would do my nomination because I respected him that much, "Ledbetter said. "We're going to miss you, but we're proud of you. And we know that, whatever you do, God's led you in that direction, and you're going to do an amazing job."
Elected to his first public office almost a half-century ago, Shedd is a former chairman of the Cullman County Commission and was mayor of Fairview, his hometown, from 1996 until 2012.
Shedd took the mic, thanking House members and giving his parting thoughts as he begins his new position just two floors upstairs.
"Mr. Speaker, Mr. Leader, both sides of the aisle, I love everybody," Shedd said. "I'll just keep it brief and say thank you. Y'all shocked me this morning: staff, security, and everybody that works and makes the train run in this place, and on time, by the way, Mr. Speaker."
"Y'all got me speechless. So, I'll tell you what we'll do: I've got two bills on the calendar. If y'all will pass those two bills, I won't ever bother you again as a sponsor," he concluded, earning his raucous laughter and a standing ovation.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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