Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope, left; and Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview.

Two local lawmakers’ attempt to push an impeachment resolution through the state House of Representatives stalled, but the Judiciary Committee is expected to give a report on the proceedings soon.

Reps. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope, and Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, followed up on the fallout from last week when Gov. Robert Bentley appointed Luther Strange to fill the unexpired U.S. Senate term of Jeff Sessions, who was elevated to U.S. Attorney General.

Many state lawmakers were upset by Strange’s appointment because as state attorney general there was an indication that his office was taking a closer look at issues related to the governor.

Lawmakers within the Judiciary Committee, who first explored impeachment against the governor, have not met since November.

“I was against impeachment until a month or two ago,” Harbison said. “This is not because of an affair involving the governor. Other issues have come up recently, such as campaign money used for legal expenses, the U.S. Senate appointment. A lot of us were waiting to hear from Luther Strange about an investigation or any findings from his office.”

The resolution pushed by Harbison and Shedd addresses campaign money the governor spent to pay legal fees. It also challenges the governor for not immediately setting an election date this year to replace former U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions. Other lawmakers have also said the governor should call the election before the term expires.

Harbison said he was told by House leaders an update would be issued by the impeachment committee.

“I have this resolution in my pocket. I feel like we have enough signatures,” Harbison said. “All we want is the air to be cleared. If the governor has done wrong, that’s great. We need to know and I want this to carry on until we know.”

Shedd, Harbison and Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle, raised concern over Bentley’s appointment of Strange last week. Henry was initially one of the leaders in the House exploring impeachment proceedings.

Some lawmakers contend Bentley’s actions since the revelation of his involvement with former advisor Rebekah Mason have caused mistrust in the Legislature as large financial issues loom.

The governor’s campaign paid nearly $9,000 for Rebekah Mason’s legal fees, according to his attorney, Bill Athanas. His campaign also paid the consulting company owned by Rebekah Mason more than $38,000 in the first four months of the year.

Bentley’s admitted to having an “inappropriate relationship” with Mason in March 2016. He denied the relationship was physical.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.