Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, is among the legislators who’s been mentioned as a possible Speaker of the House of Representatives to replace ousted Rep. Mike Hubbard, but Jones has not spoken openly about the race for speaker.

When he and Sen. Jimmy Holley, R-Elba, took questions during Wednesday’s legislative luncheon, Ted Watson gingerly asked if there was a possibility that someone from this area might follow the path of former Speaker Seth Hammett in pursuit of that office.

Sen. Holley quickly stepped to Jones’ rescue.

“Well, it has to originate in the House,” he quipped. “There are some very qualified individuals locally who interested in serving, but it’s an issue to be dealt with in the Republican caucus of the House. I’m sure it’ll be a unanimous vote when they find someone they can agree on.”

Jones later said he’s not trying to avoid the question.

“I’m in a unique situation,” he said. “When the Articles of Impeachment were filed, and placed in my committee, there were some interesting circumstances.”

As chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Jones is managing impeachment proceedings.

“I believe there are times when every individual has be able to say the bigger question of the group has to take priority over an individual. It’s not that I don’t have interest, I do. As far as publicly coming out and getting into that situation, it would not be appropriate. It would further politicize what has already been horrendously politicized.”

Earlier in the discussion, Jones said his committee has adopted rules for considering the Articles of Impeachment, and the next step will be the hiring of a special counsel. A subcommittee has been charged with that task, he said.