Bentley's Years of Scandal End in 6 Historic Days
Embattled Gov. Robert Bentley agreed to a deal that forced him to resign his office, plead guilty to two misdemeanors and never again hold public office. In his place, Kay Ivey became the state's 54th governor.
A scandal that hounded Robert Bentley for more than a year with
little resolution finally brought him down today, abruptly ending his
time as Alabama's 53rd governor just past the halfway mark of his second term.
Shortly after 5 p.m. today, the governor entered the Old House
Chamber in the state Capitol, site of his seven annual State of the
State addresses, and announced what cabinet members, staffers and
reporters waiting there already knew - that his time as governor was
done.
"I can no longer allow my family, my dear friends, my dedicated staff
and cabinet, to be subjected to the consequences that my past actions
have brought upon them," Bentley said during a short address.
He said being governor was the greatest honor of his life and
repeatedly said he loved the state and its people. He admitted mistakes.
"Though I have committed myself to working to improve the lives of
the people of our state, there have been times when I have let you and
our people down, and I'm sorry," Bentley said.
He thanked his staff, cabinet members and state agency leaders
several times, promised his administration would ensure a smooth
transition of power to Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey and left the chamber without
taking questions, his voice choking slightly with emotion at the end.
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