Bentley Impeachment Probe Underway
A committee of lawmakers opened impeachment hearings against Governor Robert Bentley today, beginning a probe on whether there are grounds to remove the two-term Republican from office.
“When you’re looking at impeaching a governor, a sitting governor, I don’t think we should take it lightly,” says House Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Jones regarding the difficulty of the task at hand. “And so, when working and getting ready for these rules and procedures, we didn’t take it lightly. We did a great deal of work and preparation to prepare the members of the committee to adopt rules.”
The process is a lengthy, Jones says, and this is not sitting well with other state officials.
“You’ve heard of a ‘slow boat to China?’ Well, this impeachment process is a ‘slow boat on the Alabama River,” says State Auditor Jim Zeigler, a leading critic of Bentley. “The Mike Hubbard investigation and legal proceedings took three years. If the Bentley investigation takes that long, his term could be over. This is not acceptable. Justice delayed is justice denied,” Zeigler says.
Earlier this spring, 23 representatives signed impeachment article accusing Bentley of corruption and neglect of duty. The articles were filed after Bentley admitted making inappropriate sexual remarks to a former top advisor.
The committee will make a recommendation to the full House on whether impeachment grounds exist.
The impeachment hearings come in a season of political upheaval for GOP office holders.
Mike Hubbard was removed as House speaker after being convicted of ethics violations. Chief Justice Roy Moore faces possible removal after being accused of violating judicial ethics.
After Texas ruling, Trump and Republicans head to 2026 with a redistricting edge
Trump has prompted a redistricting race as he tries to maintain Republican control of the House in the 2026 elections. Democrats have fewer options to counter, as the battle heads into next year.
How China, not the U.S., became the main climate solution story in 2025
The U.S. has become a "side character" in the global story of renewable energy, experts say. China dominates the sector, with positive implications for the climate and their economy.
Supreme Court to hear case that could vastly expand presidential powers
The Supreme Court hears arguments in a case about President Trump's firing of a Federal Trade Commissioner. At stake is a 90-year precedent limiting the president's power over independent agencies.
Republicans push high deductible plans and health savings accounts
A Republican call to give Americans cash instead of health insurance subsidies revives an old idea that has left millions with medical debt.
Zelenskyy heads to London for more Ukraine peace talks. Here’s what to know
The talks signal fresh support from European allies. But they follow stalled U.S. negotiations in Miami and comments from President Trump's son suggesting Washington is ready to pull back.
Tributes, not politics, play center stage as Trump hosts the Kennedy Center Honors
President Trump said he was closely involved with picking the honorees, and on Sunday he became the first president to host the Kennedy Center awards ceremony.
