Video: Controversy Surrounds Alabama Governor

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LAMAR COUNTY, Al. (WCBI)- Almost everyone has an opinion about Governor Robert Bentley and allegations he had an affair with former senior political adviser Rebekah Mason.

“I have known Governor Bentley for over 40 years and he is not acting as the person that I have know, cared for, and respected during this time,” said Fran Johnson, chairperson of the Lamar County Republican Party.

Bentley continues to deny having an affair with Mason, who resigned on Wednesday.

Now, there’s talk of impeaching the two term Republican.

An audio recording was recently released, where the Governor apparently made sexual comments to Mason.

The scandal has Alabama residents shocked and confused.

“I was sick,” said Johnson. “Emotionally sick, mentally sick from what I heard on him.”

“I think someone of his stature that people look up to so much, I think that he shouldn’t be making those kinds of mistakes it just doesn’t look good,” said Alabama resident Luke Kelly.

Bentley said his relationship with Mason was never physical, however, the Governor didn’t deny the sexually explicit audio recordings of a conversation with the former aide.

In one of the recordings, you could hear Bentley saying: “When I stand behind you, and I put my arms around you, and I put my hands on your breasts, and I put my hands (unintelligible) and just pull you real close. I hey, I love that too.”

Johnson said Bentley isn’t acting like himself, and believes Mason has changed him.

“The present situation doesn’t meet standards, his actions are not meeting standards now,” said Johnson.

Johnson said she believes the Governor needs medical help.

“I’m not judging Governor Bentley, but I think that we need to pause and have him evaluated by a medical doctor and then we need to pray for him and his family,” she said.

Some lawmakers and voters want Bentley to now step down, but Johnson said.

“I think that depends on the evaluation the doctor has,” Johnson said.
Bentley said he will not resign.

State Representative Ed Henry said he will introduce a resolution to remove Bentley from office next week.

Republican leaders in the state have also called for the governor to step down.

Categories: Local News

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