Gov. Robert Bentley made perhaps his most heartfelt apology yet on Monday, repeatedly asking the people of Alabama for forgiveness for the scandal that has engulfed his administration.
Bentley also said he had asked forgiveness from God.
"I've asked God to forgive me because that's the most important thing," Bentley said in midday remarks at Limestone Correctional Facility. "I want back in His fellowship. And so I asked God to forgive me.
"But I asked other people to again forgive me and I've already done that and I have truly asked the people of this state - they're the folks who love me and are the best people in the world - I have asked them to forgive me."
During a press conference at the north Alabama prison, Bentley spent about 21/2 minutes speaking on the scandal that has led to the resignation of his senior political adviser, Rebekah Caldwell Mason, and for some lawmakers to consider impeachment proceedings.
Though he did not directly address the issue of resignation - which he said last week he has not considered - Bentley appeared to reiterate his plans to remain in office.
"I have humbly opened myself up to the people of this state and I have asked them to forgive me," he said. "And let me continue to do the things they elected me for twice and that's to try to make their lives better. And that's what I'm going to do."
Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn and Governor Bentley accompanied by state troopers. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley tours and hold press conference at Limestone Correctional Facility in Harvest, Ala. Monday April 4, 2016. (Bob Gathany/bgathany@AL.com)
Bentley said he did not think talk of impeachment by some legislators would distract from their consideration of his prison reform bill and other legislative matters. He also said the scandal would not affect the recruitment of industry from outside the state, saying that's not a concern for businesses who are primarily focused on workforce development.
You can view more photos of Governor Bentley's tour of Limestone Correctional Facility by clicking here.
Here is the full text of Bentley's comments regarding the scandal:
"Let me say this, I have addressed, I personally have addressed this issue. I addressed this tape that came out that was recorded three years ago. I addressed that. I have addressed the issues related to that. Those issues have been taken care of long ago. But it has just been made public just recently and I have to address them again.
"I've asked God to forgive me because that's the most important thing. I want back in His fellowship. And so I asked God to forgive me.
"But I asked other people to again forgive me and I've already done that and I have truly asked the people of this state - they're the folks who love me and are the best people in the world - I have asked them to forgive me."
"And, you know, it's mine. I own it. I own it. I did it. I point no fingers to anybody else. I make no excuses from that. I own my problem. It's not your problem. You have other problems. It's not your problem. It's my problem and I have to deal with that. And so I have humbly opened myself up to the people of this state and I have asked them to forgive me. And let me continue to do the things they elected me for twice and that's to try to make their lives better. And that's what I'm going to do.
"It is not (affecting my job). This has been addressed a long time ago. It really has. It's all been clarified, it's all been addressed. I have put it in the rear-view mirror. Others have not because it's obviously been brought out now. It's one of those things that I take full control of. It's me. I did it. I did it. And that's why I ask the people of this state to forgive me because they are a forgiving people and they know God's grace."
Bentley told The New York Times last week that he plans to make a video statement to the people of Alabama, though he gave no timeframe for that statement.