Gov. Bob Riley has set the election dates to fill a vacant state Senate seat in Madison County.

The dates chosen by the governor mean a replacement for Democratic state Sen. Parker Griffith of Huntsville may not be chosen until late in the 2009 legislative session or until after it ends in mid-May.

Riley set the primary for March 3. A runoff will be held on April 21, if necessary. If there is a runoff, then the general election will be on June 9. If no runoff is needed, the general election will be on April 21.

Parker was elected to the U.S. House last month to replace Democratic Rep. Bud Cramer, who is retiring. He takes his new office in January.