Former Gov. Robert Bentley received an invitation to Gov. Kay Ivey’s inauguration ceremony and the formal party that follows later in the evening, according to a source close to both Bentley and Ivey.
“Not only is he going to the inauguration, he has dusted off his tuxedo for the big gala,” said sources in the former governor’s circle.
“It was a simple courtesy,” said an individual close to Gov. Ivey who spoke on background because the person wasn’t authorized to speak for the administration.
However, Bentley is telling friends the Ivey administration requested his attendance because they fear he is running for U.S. Senate and doesn’t want to offend a possible winner.
“Bentley sees himself as a real contender,” said an individual close to Bentley. “He says ‘Bradley Byrne thinks he’s got the race sown-up, but I can beat him,'” according to a confidant.
Ivey rose to the governor’s office after Bentley resigned from office after pleading guilty to campaign finance violations.
His appearance at the inauguration will undoubtedly draw attention, but his date at the gala could be scandalous said an Ivey insider.
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Neither Ivey’s office or Bentley could be reached before publication.
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