MONTGOMERY (AP) — The Alabama Senate had a rocky start today with most Democrats skipping the opening roll call, but Republican Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey ruling enough senators present to conduct business.

Many senators were absent at the 10 a.m. starting time, including most of the Democrats. But Ivey ruled a majority of the 35 senators was present and business could begin. Democratic Sen. Bobby Singleton said only 17 answered role and Ivey violated the state constitution by starting business.

Ivey said she her ruling would stand. The Senate's Republican president pro tem, Del Marsh, said Ivey was correct because one Democrat who had been in the Senate chamber didn't answer the roll call.

The clash was the latest between Democrats and the Republican lieutenant governor over the Senate's rules.