Senior Advisor at Center of Bentley Affair Scandal Resigns

Rachel Osier Lindley | March 30, 2016

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Governor Bentley’s Senior Political Advisor Rebekah Caldwell Mason has resigned. Mason has been in the spotlight since last week, when former ALEA head Spencer Collier publicly described her alleged affair with the governor. Collier called Mason “the de facto governor,” referencing the extreme power he says she had over the governor’s decisions.

Tapes of the governor and Mason having a sexually explicit conversation also surfaced last week.

In a statement distributed by Governor Bentley’s office, Mason writes “I have resigned as Senior Political Advisor to Governor Bentley and will no longer be paid from his campaign fund. I have also ended my work with the Alabama Council For Excellent Government.”

“My only plans are to focus my full attention on my precious children and my husband who I love dearly,” continues Mason’s statement. “They are the most important people in my life. Thank you for your prayers for our family.”

Mason’s resignation comes just hours after Governor Robert Bentley told the media he had no intentions of resigning. Bentley made the comments today during a visit meant to highlight broadband issues and rural health in Russellville, his second public appearance since the scandal broke. Bentley seemed to be looking to the future.

“My intentions are to make this state better,” said Bentley. “My intentions are to work through all the problems that we’re going through.”

At the time, Bentley added that “there may be some organizational changes” in the governors office.

Calls for Bentley’s resignation continue to grow among Alabama Republicans and Democrats alike. Al.com reports a special agent with the Alabama Ethics Commission will launch an investigation into possible violations by Bentley and Mason.

Esther Ciammachilli contributed to this report.