But Bentley's fall threatens to destabilize one of the state's most electable Republicans: newly appointed U.S. Sen. Luther Strange. Bentley appointed Strange, then Alabama's attorney general, to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions's seat in February. Bentley also decided not to hold a special election in August, as some in Alabama suggested the constitution required. Top Alabama Republicans who helped kick Bentley out the door now see Strange as an extension of the embattled governor. [Former Alabama governor Robert Bentley's year from hell, a timeline]In November (before Donald Trump's election as president and Sessions's appointment), the Republican House paused its impeachment proceedings pending Strange's investigation.

Source: Washington Post April 26, 2017 19:32 UTC