Interviews To Replace Sessions In Senate Underway

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Gov. Robert Bentley’s office says he has interviewed suspended Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and 10 other people for the U.S. Senate seat now held by attorney general-designee Jeff Sessions.

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Bentley spokeswoman Yasamie August says Moore was interviewed at the recommendation of the Alabama Republican Party. Moore is fighting what amounts to a permanent ouster after being convicted of violating judicial ethics rules over his opposition to gay-marriage.

The governor’s office says the others who were interviewed include U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks of Huntsville; state Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh of Anniston; and Supreme Court Associate Justice Glenn Murdock.

Interviews began last week, and it’s unclear how many more are scheduled.

Bentley will appoint a new senator to replace Sessions, who is president-elect Donald Trump’s nominee as U.S. attorney general.