Torrid Tape Imperils Alabama Governor, $800 Million Prison Plan

  • Bentley, a dermatologist and deacon, was smitten with adviser
  • Lawmakers try to force him out as he tries to rebuild lockups

Governor Robert Bentley speaks on March 23, 2016, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Photographer: Julie Bennett /AL.com via AP
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Even before the calamitous week of March 23, Alabama’s grandfatherly Republican Governor Robert Bentley wasn’t a get-things-done powerhouse.

Now, with the centerpiece of his agenda -- an $800 million prison reform -- threatened by a cringeworthy scandal over a torrid taped conversation, lawmakers just want him gone. They returned from a break today bringing a bill to impeach him and another to allow a recall. Many hope he’ll save them the bother.