JACKSON — New House Speaker Philip Gunn on Friday named eight South Mississippi lawmakers as chairmen of committees.

Gunn said he tried to be fair in terms of capability, seniority, regionalism and political party in naming legislative leaders for the next four years. Republicans now, for the first time in modern history, control the House leadership, but Gunn named 10 Democrats as chairmen of the 40 he named Friday.

Rep. Herb Frierson, R-Poplarville, was named chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee, which controls state spending.

South Mississipp lawmakers said they were pleased with their committee assignments and believe South Mississippi fared well.

The South Mississippi chair and vice chair assignments are: Appropriations: Herb Frierson, chairman Banking and Financial Services: Hank Zuber, chairman Conservation and Water Resources: Jessica Upshaw, chairman Constitution: Scott DeLano, chairman Fees and Salaries of Public Officers: John Read, chairman Gaming: Richard Bennett, chairman Marine Resources: Casey Eure, chairman; Jeffrey Guice, vice chairman Ports Harbors and Airports: Randall Patterson, vice chairman Rules: Mark Formby, chairman