Speaker Named Leader of Legislative Group

House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) has been named the national chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council for 2009.

The group represents a network of 2,000 state legislators "committed to the fundamental Jeffersonian principles of limited government, free enterprise, federalism and individual liberty,'' according to a press release.

"Exploring and learning from what other states are doing and recognizing the need to change, adapt, innovate and improve lie at the very heart of what ALEC is all about,'' Howell said. "It's what has made ALEC such a powerful force against the status quo and for a more free and prosperous future."

Howell, first elected a delegate in 1987, has led the 100-member chamber since 2003.