Page 5 - Aruba Today
P. 5
U.S. NEWS A5
Friday 1 April 2016
Alabama governor trudges on in the face of scandal questions
KIM CHANDLER Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley speaks during a news conference at the state Capitol in Montgom- stepped down from his of-
Associated Press ery, Ala. fice on Wednesday. For-
WETUMPKA, Ala. (AP) — (A. Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser/AP) mer Law Enforcement
Trailed by an unusually Secretary Spencer Collier
large crowd of reporters, was a major crisis facing “These are major problem told reporters when asked — a day after being fired
Alabama Gov. Robert the state, and the hoped in the state of Alabama. I if the scandal affected his by Bentley — accused the
Bentley walked the halls lawmakers would focus on was elected by the people ability to lead. 73-year-old governor of
of an overcrowded state what was good for all of of this state to help solve Bentley has denied hav- having an inappropriate
women’s prison Thurs- Alabama instead of what problems and that’s what ing an affair with Rebekah relationship with Mason,
day, trying to focus on his he called a personal issue. we’re trying to do,” Bentley Caldwell Mason, who 44.
legislative agenda but Collier also accused the
still dogged by questions governor of urging him
about his relationship with to give false information
a former top aide. about the status of a pros-
Pressure has mounted ecutorial misconduct in-
around the governor ever vestigation involving the
since he acknowledged case against the speaker
last week that he made of the house. The governor
inappropriate sexual re- has denied the allegations
marks to his former confi- as well.
dante and adviser, with a Some Republicans have
few Republicans calling urged Bentley to resign or
for his resignation or sug- called for the state ethics
gesting impeachment. commission and law en-
Both possibilities seemed forcement to investigate if
remote, turning the lame any state resources were
duck GOP governor into misused.
something of a political “There’s no credibility.
punching bag. There’s no confidence from
At Julia Tutwiler Prison, Bent- the legislature or the peo-
ley, who is pitching an $800 ple of this state in his office
million prison construction and his abilities,” said Rep.
project, said overcrowding Ed Henry, a Republican.
