Some lawmakers express doubt on impeachment

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Some Alabama lawmakers, including the leader of the Senate, are expressing doubts about an effort to impeach Gov. Robert Bentley.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said Tuesday that he did not favor impeaching someone over “personal issues.” He says there needs to be evidence of misuse of office or state funds.

A House Republican introduced an impeachment resolution in the wake of Bentley’s admission of inappropriate conversations with a former top aide.

Rep. Mac McCutcheon, chairman of the House Rules Committee that will decide whether to bring the impeachment effort to a House floor vote, says he doubts the issue will be voted on this legislative session.

He said the committee will first explore whether there are grounds for impeachment.

Bentley on Tuesday lashed back at the impeachment effort and called it “political grandstanding.”