Bentley interviews Aderholt, Byard and Magee for Senate

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Gov. Robert Bentley has so far interviewed 20 potential replacements for U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley on Thursday interviewed U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt and two of his own Cabinet members — Revenue Commissioner Julie P. Magee and Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Jim Byard.

That brings the list to 20 people interviewed so far as Bentley prepares to name an interim replacement for Sessions, who has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to become the nation’s next attorney general. His confirmation hearing will begin next month.

A Bentley spokeswoman said Thursday that additional interviews are planned. The person named by Bentley will hold the Senate post until an election is held to fill the seat for rest of Sessions’ term.

Some of the state’s most prominent political figures are vying for the coveted appointment. The list so far is composed entirely of Republican office holders, former Republican candidates and Republican appointees, but they constitute different ideologies within the GOP. Bentley had asked members of the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee to submit suggestions on who should replace Sessions.

Bentley has also interviewed:

—Attorney General Luther Strange

—Suspended Chief Justice Roy Moore

—U.S. Rep. Martha Roby

—U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer

—U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks

—Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh

—Supreme Court Associate Justice Glenn Murdock

—Businessman Tim James

—State Sen. Greg Reed of Jasper

—Sen. Phil Williams of Rainbow City

—Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur

—Sen. Cam Ward of Alabaster

— Sen. Bill Hightower of Mobile

— Sen. Trip Pittman of Daphne,

—Rep. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa

—Rep. Connie Rowe of Jasper

—Trump state campaign chairman and former legislator Perry Hooper of Montgomery

National News

Trump, in his inaugural address, makes sweeping promises

More Stories

Teacher of the Year: Beth Tuten

More Stories

SEDC Board of Directors re-elects LCEDA’s Shockney

Local News

LCEMA: Travel advisory

Local News

ALEA updates on road conditions

News

Limestone County Schools to close Friday, Jan. 10

News

Athens City Schools closed Friday, Jan. 10

More Stories

LCSO arrests four related to storage unit burglary

More Stories

Senator Britt memorializes Alabamians killed in New Orleans terrorist attack

News

‘Athens Strong’: State leaders rally behind city’s rebuilding efforts after tornado

News

Limestone County Schools receive grant from Indiana-based foundation

News

Volunteer opportunity: Storm damage relief

News

FBI says driver in New Orleans rampage acted alone, was ‘100%’ inspired by Islamic State group

Local News

ALEA: Crash claims life of Elkmont man

National

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

News

APD arrest man wanted for 1997 Christmas murder

More Stories

Weekend crash claims life of Athens man

News

58 Alabama schools to receive $246,500 from TVA’s STEM Classroom Grant

Columns

Senior announcements: Week of Dec. 2

More Stories

LCSO continues charge against Fentanyl

News

New look Commission approves amendment to Fiber Optic Network Agreement

More Stories

LCSO arrests 2 Athens residents on drug bust

More Stories

AMLA announces new travel tools along North Alabama Patriot Trail

News

Their sacrifice, our freedom: Community honors local heroes with Veterans Day Parade