Alabama Governor Robert Bentley will likely face an impeachment proceeding after a lawmaker filed the articles of impeachment against the governor. Representative Ed Henry alleged Bentley of inability to lead and incompetency after the governor's affair with his prominent adviser came into open.
Henry submitted the articles of impeachment over Bentley's sex scandal case. According to the Republican from Hartselle, Alabama, he filed the articles of impeachment for several reasons. He alleged Bentley of neglect of duty, incompetency and corruption in office. The sex scandal erupted after former Secretary Spencer Collier of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency speculated that Bentley was having an illicit relationship with Rebekah Caldwell Mason, his senior political adviser, according to 13News Now.
"We're looking at this governor who has essentially betrayed the trust of the people of Alabama," Henry said. "The only recourse the people of Alabama have to address this issue is through the impeachment process."
Bentley was under fire for the accusations involving him with Mason surfaced. The senior political adviser to Bentley resigned last week. Meanwhile, as TIME reports, Bentley calls Henry's resolution as a political attack against him. The constitution of Alabama permits the impeachment of officers based on a broad range of reasons. The official could be impeached by neglect of duty, incompetency, corruption in office, or intemperance in the use of intoxicating liquors or narcotics.
Despite Henry's move to impeach Bentley, the governor has remained firm in his stance that he's innocent. "There are no grounds for impeachment, and I will vigorously defend myself and my administration from this political attack," he said in a statement, CNN reported. "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."
If Bentley would be impeached, Lt. Gov Kay Ivey, would act as the acting governor. However, if there are no grounds for the governor to be impeached, he could continue his service to the Alabama people. The lawmakers have remained silent on the case of Bentley.
