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Alabama has a new governor this morning. Lt. Governor Kay Ivey became the state's top lawmaker yesterday evening after former Alabama Governor Robert Bentley announced his resignation amid the start of impeachment proceedings over abuse of power involving corruption and a salacious affair with one of his key advisers.

The governor had been defiant late last week in advance of a 130-page report released by the state's House Judiciary Committee outlining their investigation into his violation of state ethics and campaign laws to support the alleged infidelities.

"Let me say, I do not plan to resign," said Bentley. "I have done nothing illegal." 

Bentley went on to apologize for letting down the people of Alabama and asked that they continue to pray for him. Monday’s impeachment hearing was the first in the state for a governor.  His successor, Gov. Ivey, becomes the second female governor in Alabama history.  

John Archibald, a columnist for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group, which publishes The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and the Mobile Press Register, has the details on this scandal.