UPDATING – Watch Live: Embattled Alabama Governor to Resign Amid Ethics Scandals as Impeachment Proceeding Advances

‘Family Values’ Governor Was Anti-Marriage Equality Activist

Robert Bentley, the Republican governor of Alabama, has just resigned. Once the most-popular governor in the Cotton State, Bentley has been the subject of numerous investigations prompted by an alleged affair he had with a state employee. Embarrassing texts have been made public, but so have reports the governor directed law enforcement agents to break up with her on his behalf. 

Last year Republicans in the State Legislature began impeachment proceedings, but after a special counsel was named to investigate, last week an ethics committee found probable cause the Alabama governor had violated ethics and campaign finance laws.

By resigning before being impeached, Bentley, 74 perhaps avoids an additional embarrassment, but he will still possibly be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Lt. Governor Kay Ivey will be sworn in later Monday.

Bentley made nationwide news in 2015 when he told the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals via an amicus brief that same-sex marriage cannot exist because anti-incest and anti-polygamy laws are necessary.

UPDATE I:

UPDATE II: 4:12 PM EDT –
Via WSFA: Bentley will plead guilty to misdemeanor charges. 

UPDATE III: 4:45 PM EDT –
Latest report says Lt. Governor to be sworn in at 6:45, governor to resign, possibly turn himself over to police at that time.

UPDATE IV: 5:21 PM EDT –

 

This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.