MONTGOMERY, Ala., June 17 (UPI) -- Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley released a timeline Friday to fill a seat left vacant by disgraced House Speaker Mike Hubbard, who is facing prison time after a felony ethics conviction.
The timeline allows for a special primary election and special runoff election, if needed, for the District 79 House seat. If there are multiple candidates in the major political parties, the primary will be held Sept. 13. The special general election is slated for Nov. 29. If no one candidate receives a majority of votes in the primary, the primary runoff will be held Nov. 29. If that happens, the special general election will be moved to Feb. 7. Candidates with the major political parties must quality by July 14. Third-party or independent candidates must file by Sept. 13.
"The timeline that Governor Bentley announced will allow time for candidates to qualify and ensures that House District 79 has representation leading up to the 2017 legislative session," Secretary of State John Merrill said in a written statement.
The special election comes after Hubbard, 54, was convicted June 10 on 12 of 23 felony charges in an ethics case involving misuse of his office. Prosecutors said Hubbard used his power and position to get $2.3 million in work, investments and financial favors.
Hubbard plans to appeal the conviction.
