Top aide to Alabama governor resigns amid allegations of an affair

One week after Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) admitted he made "inappropriate" comments to his top political adviser, that aide announced she is resigning from her post.

On Wednesday, Rebekah Caldwell Mason said in a statement her "only plans are to focus my full attention on my precious children and my husband who I love dearly. They are the most important people in my life." Bentley released his own statement, saying he appreciated Mason's "service to my administration and the people of this state. I wish the best for her and her family."

While Bentley admitted he made "inappropriate" comments to Mason two years ago, he denied ever having a sexual relationship with her. Former Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier told AL.com last week that in 2014, Bentley did have an affair, and promised he would end it. Collier said he saw texts and heard recordings "of a sexual nature" between Bentley and Mason; audio recordings allegedly of Bentley talking to Mason have since been leaked to the media. Mason has denied the allegations and said she was the victim of "gender bias," and Bentley said again on Wednesday he does not intend to resign. One Alabama lawmaker is moving to start impeachment against Bentley because of the scandal.

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