Gov. Robert Bentley has narrowed the list of possible replacements for Jeff Sessions to six names, including that of one state official who could be investigating the very governor that would appoint him to the U.S. Senate.

Bentley's list, released Thursday, includes State Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh; U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt; Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affair Director Jim Byard; former State Rep. Perry Hooper Jr.; state Rep. Connie Rowe of Jasper; and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange.

The six were selected from a large field of people seeking to be appointed to replace Sessions, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Justice Department. Sessions' nomination cleared the Judicial Committee yesterday and will now head to the full Senate, where it's expected to be approved.

Sessions' move to U.S. Attorney General's office will leave a Senate vacancy, leaving it up to Gov. Bentley to appoint a successor. Bentley interviewed several lawmakers, members of the state's Congressional Delegation and even suspended Chief Justice Roy Moore in an effort to find Sessions' replacement.

"I have had the honor of spending several hours interviewing some of this state's finest public servants," Bentley said when announcing the six final candidates. "I am proud of all these men and women who serve our state with integrity and humility. Our people should be proud to have such a large number of qualified candidates who have a heart for serving our great state."

Bentley indicated he would name Sessions' replacement after the Senate vote on the Attorney General.

A Strange situation

The inclusion of Strange on the list has raised questions - and concerns.

The Alabama House Judiciary Committee - which had been investigating Gov. Bentley in connection to possible impeachment offenses in connection to his relationship with former adviser Rebekah Caldwell Mason - said its work is on hold while it awaits Strange's approval to proceed.

Strange said in November 2016 his office was doing "necessary related work" to that of the committee but would not elaborate or confirm if the governor was under investigation.

The governor has denied all allegations.

Strange previously announced he would run for Sessions' seat in 2018, even if he's not appointed by Bentley to finish out the term.

"I'm running because I think I'm the best candidate to take Jeff Sessions' place," the AG said.

AG appointment

If Bentley appoints Strange to the U.S. Senate, the governor will then be able to appoint his successor.

That's too much for State Auditor Jim Zeigler.

"Pray for anybody but Luther Strange," Zeigler said. "The reason? If Strange is appointed, then Bentley gets to single-handedly name a new State Attorney General who can 'handle' the investigations of Bentley and Rebekah Mason. If you think Bentley has been bad the last two years, just wait to see the next two with him having his own attorney general.

"If you thought things could not get worse in Montgomery, think again," Zeigler said.

For this part, Strange hopes Bentley will look to the current AG staff for his successor if he makes the move to D.C.

"We have a great team of people in this office," Strange said. "I'm very proud of the legacy and any questions related to anything going on in the state would really be a question for anybody he appoints to take my place if he decides to do that."