A senior political adviser to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley resigned Wednesday amid accusations that she and Bentley had an affair, according to a statement distributed by the governor’s office.
Bentley and the political adviser, Rebekah Caldwell Mason, have denied having a physical relationship.
“I have resigned as senior political advisor to Governor Bentley and will no longer be paid from his campaign fund. I have also ended my work with the Alabama Council For Excellent Government,” Mason said in the statement.
"My 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. Thank you for your prayers for our family."
Allegations of the affair came to light last week when ex-Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Spencer Collier held a press conference after being fired and made the claim — and also said Mason wielded such influence over Bentley she was the "de facto governor."
Bentley said in a statement Wednesday: “I appreciate Rebekah Mason’s service to my administration and the people of this state. I wish the best for her and her family.”
Related: Fired Alabama Top Cop Says Governor Booted Him for Refusing to Lie About Affair
State Rep. Ed Henry, a fellow Republican, told NBC affiliate WAFF Wednesday that he intends to introduce a resolution calling for articles of impeachment to be brought against Bentley.
The state auditor on Friday filed an ethics report questioning whether Bentley and Mason used state property "in furtherance of their personal relationship." The report opens an investigation.
Bentley on Wednesday said he will not step down.
"The question is being asked across the state if I have any intentions of resigning. I have no intention of resigning," Bentley said. "My intentions are trying to make the state better."
