Robert Bentley narrows field for Jeff Sessions’ replacement

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Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says he’s close to making a decision on a replacement for U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions.

On Thursday, Bentley told reporters in Mobile he’s poised to make a decision by the week’s end, but will likely not announce it until Sessions officially resigns pending his Senate confirmation to become the next U.S. Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump.

Should Sessions be confirmed, according to Alabama law, Bentley would be tasked with appointing his replacement in the short-term and setting a date for a statewide election to fill the vacant Senate seat.

“[Sessions] has served our state and our people with dignity and has been a bright example for conservative values,” said Bentley. “I will choose an appointee who shares those values and will work to further the agenda of President-elect Trump, all while keeping Alabama first in his or her mind. This person must uphold the Constitution, value the rights of the Second Amendment, the rights of the states, support pro-life issues, implement a strong national security policy, and support domestic job creation.”

20 people have been interviewed for the position by Bentley, and according to the governor’s spokeswoman no one else will be considered.