U.S.A.
Robert J. Bentley was born in 1943 in Columbiana, Alabama, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama. He furthered his education with an M.D. from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed a residency in dermatology. Bentley served in the United States Air Force as a general medical officer before establishing a private practice in dermatology. His professional background includes a stint in the Alabama House of Representatives, where he served two terms.
Robert J. Bentley's political identity is marked by a blend of staunch conservatism and unexpected policy alignments. He fiercely opposes tax increases and federal aid while advocating for local control in education, yet surprisingly supports increased funding for pre-K programs. His criminal justice stance is rigid, opposing parole for repeat felons and advocating for stronger drug-related penalties, yet he diverges from typical conservative rhetoric by supporting higher police budgets. Bentley's environmental policies lean heavily towards economic interests, supporting offshore drilling and downplaying environmental concerns, revealing a highly localized approach to regional industrial interests.