One thing will remain the same in the likely transition of Alabama's Speaker of the House, from outgoing House Speaker Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia) to odds-on favorite State Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville).

On Wednesday, Ledbetter, the Republican nominee for House Speaker for the next quadrennium, announced former State Rep. Mark Tuggle (R-Alexander City) would serve as his chief of staff if elected as speaker during the organizational session early next year.

Tuggle served as outgoing McCutcheon's chief of staff over the last four years.

"Mark was an outstanding legislator during his time in the Alabama House, and he has proven himself to be an equally talented chief of staff under Speaker McCutcheon," Ledbetter said in a statement accompanying the announcement. "I know that Mark will be a source of wise counsel and sage advice as we work to tackle the challenges that Alabama faces in the coming quadrennium, and I look forward to working alongside him if elected speaker."

Tuggle was a two-term member of the legislature, representing House District 81 in the lower chamber.

He retired in 2018 and served as chairman of the House State Government Committee.

Jeff Poor is the executive editor of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.

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