State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) has now responded to allegations from an opponent regarding his perceived "improper" influence on the Alabama Republican Executive Committee.
On Tuesday, Yarbrough's opponent, Dr. Angelo "Doc" Mancuso, who was recently removed from the GOP ballot by the committee, alleged that Yarbrough had conspired with its members to unjustly remove him from the conservative primary in the House District 7 race.
"Voting for our leaders is a cherished American tradition and a cornerstone of our freedom," Yarbrough told 1819 News. "That cornerstone has obviously developed in the context of primarily two political parties, who have the right to set their own policy platforms and rules as self-regulating parties."
"I especially learned about this in a personal way when I ran 4 years ago, and the local Republican executive committee of my home county kicked several people off the ballot for local races," he continued. "That was their decision to do so, as it is the State Executive Committee’s to monitor their candidates for their party."
The lawmaker shot down Mancuso's accusations of improper influence on the body.
"I did not take part in either of those decisions and have no ability to do so. Mr. Mancuso has decided to run as an independent and has every right to do so. I have been and will continue to be focused on serving District 7 and the State of Alabama, and look forward to again earning the support of District 7 for the next 4 years," added Yarbrough.
Following his removal from the GOP primary ballot by the committee, Mancuso launched an independent campaign for the office.
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