AP – Gunn pledges fairness, honesty in opening speech

AP – Gunn pledges fairness, honesty in opening speech

Republican Phillip Gunn of Clinton has been elected speaker of the Mississippi House.

Gunn’s election came shortly after the Mississippi Legislature convened the 2012 session Tuesday in Jackson with Republicans controlling both chambers for the first time since Reconstruction. Gunn was elected without opposition and his election was greeted with a standing ovation from House members.

Both houses were addressing housekeeping matters Tuesday. Both chambers were packed with lawmakers and their relatives. It was standing-room-only in the House where Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann presided until Gunn’s election.

Gunn called on House members to be humble and serve with integrity.

AP
1/3/11