Gov. Robert Bentley Addresses “Distractions” with Cabinet

Gov. Robert Bentley, whose wife has filed for divorce, says he will not let “distractions” get in the way of his push for policy and budget changes in the state.

Bentley spoke Monday afternoon to members of his cabinet regarding his plans for a special legislative session next month. On Friday, the governor’s wife of 50 years, Dianne Bentley, filed for divorce saying their marriage had suffered an irretrievable breakdown.

The governor did not directly mention the divorce in his remarks.

Bentley said that he was being “shot at” by political enemies as he pushes for $300 million in tax increases. He did not specify any opponents by name.

Earlier on Monday, a judge ordered that Bentley’s divorce case be sealed from public view.

Tuscaloosa Circuit Judge Elizabeth Hamner issued the order after the couple’s attorneys jointly requested that the records be kept private.

Lawyers told the judge that it would be in the best interest of both parties to keep the divorce records private. The request noted the governor’s position as a prominent public office holder.

Court records show that the governor is represented in the divorce by Birmingham attorney Lisa Lynn Woods.

 

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