Former Governor Robert Bentley, who resigned in 2017 as part of plea deal related to ethics and campaign finance violations, isn't ruling out a return to public life.

In an interview with political site Yellowhammer, Bentley was asked if would consider returning to public office, possibly in the U.S. Senate race against Democrat Doug Jones in 2020.

Bentley responded:

"I love serving the people of this state. Serving as governor was the greatest honor of my life. I have a heart for our people and I believe we are all called to serve one another in some capacity. I found public service was a way to do that. I believe what is missing in public service today is loving the people that you serve and wanting to help those who need help, especially those who are less fortunate and really have nothing. If God shows me a new avenue where I can do that, I'll do it."

The deal that led to Bentley's exit might make that impossible, however.

In his plea with the Alabama Attorney General's Office, Bentley agreed to "not seek or serve in any public office."

Bentley was also ordered to pay $7,000 in fines and reimburse his campaign for more than $8,900 it paid in legal fees for former advisor Rebekah Caldwell Mason, who had a romantic relationship with the former governor.

The agreement included a provision for 100 hours of community service in Bentley's role as a physician.

After leaving office, Bentley, a divorced dermatologist, opened a medical practice in Tuscaloosa. Mason works as his office manager. He recently launched a redesigned "Bentley For Alabama" website and Facebook page recounting his accomplishments as governor.