Roy Moore expecting smooth track as Ala. Chief Justice

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The last time Republican Judge Roy Moore was chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, he had a somewhat rocky relationship with legislators who had to approve funding for the courts.

But Moore said he expects much smoother sailing when he begins a new term after a nine-year absence from the court.

He says that at the time, he was only the second Republican to serve as Alabama's chief justice in modern times. Democrats also controlled the Statehouse until the GOP won control of the House and Senate in 2010.

With the defeat last week of Democratic Public Service Commissioner Lucy Baxley, all statewide elected positions in Alabama will be held by Republicans. Moore says the political climate will be better for a Republican chief justice.