AL's Likely Senate Replacement For Jeff Sessions: AG Wrapped In Sex Tape Scandal

If Jeff Sessions is confirmed Wednesday to be President Trump's attorney general, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley will name his temporary Senate replacement until a special election in the state can be held for the permanent spot.

Bentley's expected pick? Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, who could prosecute Bentley in a misuse of state funds scandal connected to the release of an audio tape full of dirty talk between the governor and one of his top aides.

Strange — a 6-foot-9-inch former basketball player known in the state as "Big Luther" — has already announced his plans to run for the seat in the special election. Politico reported Tuesday night, though, that Strange has plans to travel to Washington to start putting together a staff because Bentley "is strongly leaning" toward picking Strange to fill the seat before the special election.

Bentley is facing impeachment over claims that he used state funds to shuttle his mistress, Rebekah Mason, around the state with him.

The state legislature created a committee to investigate the governor for neglect of duty and corruption in office. But Strange asked the committee to suspend that investigation so his office could do one of its own. Strange did not say specifically that Bentley was the focus of his investigation.

If Bentley picks Strange to fill the Senate seat, he could then appoint a friendly attorney general replacement less likely to prosecute him in the sex tape scandal.

While Bentley was caught on tape telling Mason that he loves putting "my hands on your breasts" and "we’re gonna have to start locking the door," Bentley has denied that the two ever had a "physical affair."

This story will be updated.