Bentley Not Releasing Impeachment Documents

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley’s office is not releasing a set of documents it turned over to an impeachment committee.

A spokeswoman for Bentley said Thursday that the materials “will not be made public at this time.” Several news organizations had requested copies of the material given to the House Judiciary Committee.

The governor’s office cited a November letter from Attorney General Luther Strange asking the committee to suspend proceedings while his office pursued related work. The governor’s office also cited an Alabama Supreme Court decision on what constitutes a public record.

Twenty-three lawmakers signed impeachment articles against Bentley after he was accused of having an affair with a top staffer. The governor has admitted to inappropriate remarks and behavior but said he did not have sexual affair.