The Speaker of the House presides over the House of Representatives and is third in line of succession to the Governor. The Speaker is elected by the membership of the House of Representatives. In addition to presiding over the House of Representatives, the Speaker is also the chief leadership position in the House and oversees the flow of legislation and committee assignments.

I am a Republican because as a conservative, I believe in limiting the powers of government, holding government accountable to the people, fostering opportunity through education and economic development, fiscal responsibility, and keeping our families safe and secure. I’m also a Republican because our Party’s commitment to the enduring principles of faith, life and freedom.

I was honored to have been elected as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and thoroughly enjoyed my two terms. I am very proud of the fact that during this time, the Party raised more money than ever before and had its most succesful election in its history in November 2010 as Republicans won every statewide race, picked up a Congressional seat we had lost in 2008, and flipped control of both houses of the Alabama Legislature for the first time in 136 years.

Although I would like to take all the credit for this, that would not be accurate. The success was the result of a great team we assembled, a lot of planning and excellent execution.

Yes. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work directly on two successful Heisman Trophy campaigns during my career in college athletics - Herschel Walker at Georgia and Bo Jackson at Auburn.

I was a student at the University of Georgia in the early 1980s and worked in the athletic department's sports information office. I am the same age as Herschel and we actually lived next door to each other in the athletic dormitory on the UGA campus.

David Housel hired me in 1984, two weeks after my graduation from Georgia, to work in Auburn's media relations office. David was gracious and gave me a great deal of responsibility in working with Bo on the Heisman push. When he won the trophy on December 7, 1985, David and I were sitting right behind Bo when it was announced. On the video of the event, you can see Bo turn around and shake my hand. (The video also reveals that I had much more hair in 1985, too!).

Note: While at Georgia, I also spearheaded the Heisman Campaign for my college roommate, Terry Hoage, who was an All-America defensive back. He finished fifth in the 1983 balloting - the highest Heisman finish ever for a defensive back and the highest Heisman finish for a defensive player in SEC history. Even though this wasn't a Heisman victory, it was historic.

When I’m not working, I mostly enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy traveling, when we have the time.

I don’t have many hobbies, but I am a private pilot and enjoy flying for fun. I’ve also enjoy riding my Harley-Davidson motorcycle, although it seems I have less and less time to ride these days.

I met and got to know Bob Riley and his family when he was running for Congress in 1995. I immediately liked him and knew he was getting involved in public service for all the right reasons. He inspired me to get involved in public service as well (Susan will never forgive him for that, either!).

He is, without a doubt, my political mentor. But, after over 15 years of friendship, I have also come to know him as a man of character and integrity and I respect him as a Christian, a husband, a father, a businessman and a political leader.

With all that in mind, Susan and I were proud to name our youngest son, Riley, after him.

Yes, it is. People may not always recognize my face, but most Auburn fans recognize my voice when I speak. In fact, many people tell me I sound a lot taller than I am in person!!

You can hear my voice on Auburn Network TV shows,including the Auburn Football Review ,commercials on Auburn Network radio broadcasts, and on most Auburn football highlight DVDs.

Since I started out as a DJ when I was 13 years old (and never really got over it) I also enjoy my role as the Saturday morning DJ on Wings 100.3 FM from 6 a.m. - noon. WingsFM.com

For more information on my company and all the things we do, visit the Auburn Network, Inc., website.

For information on the the Auburn broadcast network, visit AuburnTigers.com

As a small businessman, I’ve created jobs and understand the importance of meeting a payroll. I understand that government doesn’t create jobs, but that it can create an environment favorable to growth.

I also understand that the best way to produce additional revenues for our state is not by raising taxes, but by expanding our economy. The strong growth in state revenues over the past two years is a direct result of the new jobs and industries we have recruited to Alabama.

I started working as a DJ at my hometown radio station when I was 13 years old, and have always loved it.I majored in radio & televison in college and have been fortunate to have had a career combining many things I enjoy - broadcasting, sports and entrepreneaurship - and, of course, politics..

My faith is my bedrock. It shapes who I am and who I hope to be. My family and I are active members of Auburn United Methodist Church.

I encourage you to keep track of bills in the legislature by logging onto the Alabama Legislative System Online (ALISON). Click here to go there now.

It's easy. You can register to vote by clicking here and downloading a voter registration form.