bsence, he was unanimously chosen to represent Alabama upon the admission of Alabama as a State into the Union in 1819. He was reelected as a Republican and as a Jacksonian in 1822, 1828, 1834, and 1841. Even though he served until 1844 when he resigned, he was offered many positions.During that time, King, at the time a Democrat, was a strong supporter of Andrew Jackson and was a loyal Unionist throughout his career. During the Democratic convention of 1832, he proposed a rule that provided for a two-thirds vote to nominate a candidate. This rule was used by the party until its repeal in 1936. He was urged to run for the vice presidency as early as 1838. In 1837, he was offered the position of minister resident to Austria, but he declined it because he said he had supported Van Burens election and he had never supported any other previous presidential election. By accepting a prominent position under the Van Buren administration would allow room for people to misconstrue his motives. There were many rumors about an intimate affair between King and President Van Buren.However, his personal life is not a reflection of his political capabilities. He fulfilled all of his responsibilities unostentatiously. During his tenure as Senator, he held many offices and posts. He served as the President Pro Tempore during the Twenty-fourth through Twenty-Seventh Congress. He also served as the chairman of the Committee on Public Lands during the Twenty-Second Congress. Other assignments include serving on the Committee on Commerce.Prior to the termination of his fifth term, relations between the United States and other foreign entities became very hectic. This had to do in part with the questions regarding the annexation of Texas. This situation required tact and discretion for rectification and King prevailed on to accept the position of minister to France from 1844-1846. He remained away from the United States until his resignation....
