Alabama State Auditor Wants Governor Bentley To Answer Questions

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — State Auditor Jim Zeigler says he is ordering Gov. Robert Bentley to testify before him about state funds and if they were used to facilitate a relationship with a former top staffer.

It is unclear if the state auditor – who has often clashed with Bentley – has any power to enforce such an order.

The governor’s office did not have an immediate response.

Zeigler, citing a section of state code that allows him to get testimony regarding state accounts, on Thursday ordered Bentley to appear before him on May 2nd.

Zeigler said he wanted to the governor to bring documents, and answer questions about 11 areas including state cellphone use and travel records.

Bentley has admitted to making inappropriate remarks to former staffer Rebekah Caldwell Mason, but has denied accusations of an affair.

Zeigler said he wanted to get answers.