By Bob Johnson, The Associated Press, Montgomery Advertiser

Gov. Bob Riley tried Tuesday to keep alive a bid to put ethical standards for teachers in Alabama’s administrative code, but legislators siding with the state teachers’ union are being urged to rebuff him.

Riley vetoed a resolution passed by the Legislature that kept the ethical stan dards from being part of the code, which would allow teachers to be disciplined for violations.

The issue now returns to the Legisla ture, where Democratic leaders said they will try to override the governor’s veto — but the vote possibly could be close in the House.

In the Senate, where it takes 18 votes to override, the resolution passed 18-10 and the veto is expected to be overturned. But in the House, where 53 votes will be needed to turn back the veto, the resolu tion passed 43-32, with 29 members not taking part; Democratic leaders said they expect to get the 10 additional votes to override.

Even if they do, Republicans will have an issue to campaign on in an election year for lawmakers.

“That’s going to be an interesting vote for Democrats. They must decide if they are going to be for or against teacher ethics,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Mike Hubbard, R- Auburn.

Riley was surrounded Tuesday by teachers and school administrators in his office when he vetoed the resolution.

The Alabama Education Association has opposed the ethics standards, saying they were too vague and subjective.