Montgomery, AL – Yelling broke out in the state Senate when a black lawmaker accused the Senate's white presiding officer, Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, of being ``almost racist'' in her choice of senators to speak.
Democratic Sen. Quinton Ross of Montgomery became upset with the Republican lieutenant governor on Wednesday over what he considered a slight against black Democrats. He encouraged her to think about all people rather than one political party.
Republican Sen. Cam Ward of Alabaster yelled that Ross was violating the Senate's rule against making derogatory remarks. Ivey banged her gavel and restored order. Ivey said later that Ross is entitled to his opinion, but he's wrong.
The yelling stemmed from the Senate voting to seek a state Supreme Court opinion on a bill increasing the penalties for slot machines.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)