In introducing Riley, Hubbard called the governor “without a doubt, my political mentor.

“Being able to work with him, side by side ... he’s one of finest men I’ve ever known and without a doubt, the best governor we’ve ever had in state of Alabama,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard ticked off the list of Riley’s accomplishments as governor, calling him “the most prolific creator of jobs this state’s ever had in its history.” Riley has “invested more in education, including higher education, than ever in history,” Hubbard said. In addition, he said, Riley has distinguished himself as an industry recruiter and has presided over the lowest unemployment rate in Alabama’s history. And his leadership during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath provided an example for “sister states” to follow, Hubbard said.

Riley was welcomed, predictably, with a warm standing ovation.