MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Articles of Impeachment brought against Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday created a real possibility that he could be removed from office. If Bentley is successfully removed, Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey would succeed him, according to the state constitution.

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“When I first got elected lieutenant governor in 2010, I entrusted my transition team then to develop us a plan should the need arise, because one of the responsibilities of the lieutenant governor is to serve if and when there is a vacancy,” Ivey said in an interview. “So certainly that plan is available to me and should the need arise, we’ll implement that plan and the people of Alabama will have a smooth transition, and the business of the state will continue and be handled effectively.”

Ivey stated that she has not spoken to the governor since the scandal about his inappropriate relationship with Senior Political Advisor Rebeckah Caldwell Mason broke to the public. She also has made no public statements in favor or against Bentley’s impeachment. “That’s not appropriate for me to comment on at this point in time,” the lieutenant governor said. “The order of succession is there and I respect that.”

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Ivey, a relatively quiet figure, makes few press appearances and tends to stay out of the limelight. But she’s a figure with significant experience in state government having served as the president of the senate, state higher education commissioner, and as reading clerk in the Alabama House.

“I’m lieutenant governor and I’m going to stay lieutenant governor until such time as anything should change,” Ivey said.