Senator Greg Reed

Republicans in the Alabama Senate on Tuesday picked Sen. Garlan Gudger of Cullman to be the next Senate president pro tempore. Republicans named Gudger as their nominee after a closed-door meeting. The powerful position is vacant because Senate Pro Tempore Greg Reed is stepping down to join Gov. Kay Ivey’s administration.

Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed is stepping down and joining Gov. Kay Ivey’s administration. The governor’s office announced Tuesday that Reed will serve as a senior adviser and lead an overhaul of the Department of Labor.

The Alabama Legislature may make it easier for voters to cast absentee ballots when there is a hurricane or other weather emergency.The Senate passed a…