By Alabama Public Radio
Tallassee, AL – State Representative Jack Venable has died after fighting a long-term illness. He was 66 years old. Venable represented Alabama's 31st House district, which covered Coosa and Elmore counties. He was a Democrat who was first elected in 1974. Governor Bob Riley issued a statement this afternoon, calling Venable a friend and a pleasure to work with. Riley says Venable worked hard on issues such as private property protections and limited home rule. Venable also was a journalist who served as editor and publisher of the Tallassee Tribune.