Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley could discuss possible replacements for Sen. Jeff Sessions when the two Republicans meet in Washington on Friday.
President-elect Trump has reportedly asked Sessions to be the next attorney general. It would fall to Bentley to appoint a successor to Sessions should he depart the Senate for an executive branch post.
Sources tell the Washington Examiner that Sessions could influence whom Bentley picks, and that the topic could come up in their Friday meeting. Alabama Republicans caution, however, that Bentley is unpredictable; his choice to replace Sessions could surprise.
“Bentley is a wildcard,” said a Republican operative with Alabama ties. “He could end up appointing someone totally off the wall.”
Bentley, 73, has been the subject of intense scrutiny because of the dissolution of his 50-year marriage while in office and charges that he had an affair with a married female adviser. That, and his handling of the situation, is why some Alabama Republicans say it’s hard to know how the governor will handle Sessions’ replacement.
Whoever gets tapped would have to go before the voters in a special election either next year or in 2018, and it’s unclear that person would get a free ride from other Republicans. Alabama hasn’t had an open Senate seat since 1996, when Sessions won election to his seat.
Given how solidly conservative Alabama is, plenty of Republicans could be interested in the rare opportunity to capture a Senate seat.
Republicans mentioned as possible contenders include: Del Marsh, the president pro tem of the Alabama Senate; State Sen. Cam Ward; State Attorney General Luther Strange; Rep. Mo Brooks; and Rep. Gary Palmer.
