Keep the status line report of line and column when a selection is made

When a selection is made, the bottom left hand status changes from line / column to number of items selected. This is a pain if trying to line up a selection of text to a tab spacing. Can the selection count be added so that all 3 items are displayed? I really want to know the column number for the above. Currently I have to make a reference point then align a selection to the reference point and then delete the reference point. There is plenty of screen real estate.