A state lawmaker in Alabama is moving forward with an impeachment resolution against Gov. Robert Bentley (R) in the wake of accusations the governor had an affair with a former aide.
State Rep. Ed Henry’s (R) resolution will likely be sent to the Alabama House Rules Committee for consideration, though it’s unclear if it would have enough support to move forward, according to The Associated Press. Henry called on the governor to step down.
“We’re looking at this governor who has essentially betrayed the trust of the people of Alabama, through actions and lies that have caused us to have some doubt about his leadership,” Henry said Tuesday, according to WIAT.com. “And as such the only course the people of Alabama have to address this issue is through the impeachment process, so the process is going to start today.”
Bentley shot back in a statement Tuesday.
“There are no grounds for impeachment,” he said. “I will vigorously defend myself and my administration from this political attack. Today’s press conference is nothing more than political grandstanding intended to grab headlines and take the focus away from the important issues the Legislature still has to address before the end of the session.
“There is a lot of work to do before I end my term in office in 2019. I have laid out a strategic plan for success, and I will continue to focus my efforts on making Alabama a great state. That is what the people of Alabama overwhelmingly elected and re-elected me to do. I will continue to work hard for them every day,” he added.
Bentley last month admitted he had made inappropriate remarks to a former political adviser, Rebekah Mason, but denied engaging in a “physical affair.” Former Alabama law enforcement secretary Spencer Collier had accused him of having an affair.
On Monday, Bentley spent time apologizing to Alabamans, fielding questions from reporters after touring a prison in the state. “It’s mine, I own it,” Bentley said of his comments that were caught on tape. “I own my problem.”
“I have humbly opened myself up to the people of this state and I have asked them to forgive me and let me continue to do the things that they elected me for twice and that’s to try to make their lives better,” Bentley said, according to reports.