MONTGOMERY — House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) denied his presence at the Wednesday evening House Republican caucus meeting in which State Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs) was reportedly removed from the meeting for allegedly trying to record the closed-door meeting.
Reports of Mooney's ousting came in on Wednesday evening after the caucus adjourned a meeting called to discuss a pending bill on Public Service Commission reform in the House. According to multiple sources, Mooney was allegedly caught using his phone to record the closed-door session before being escorted out by House Majority Leader Paul Lee (R-Dothan).
On Thursday, Ledbetter declined to comment on the matter or any further actions taken, stating he was not even present at the meeting.
"I wasn't in the meeting," Ledbetter said. "So I wasn't there, and if I was, I wouldn't share anything with you because it was a closed caucus meeting."
Ledbetter was at the center of controversy surrounding a leaked caucus recording earlier this year. In the audio, Ledbetter commented on concerns about then-House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen's (R-Hartselle) previously announced bid for the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) chairmanship. Ledbetter expressed little concern in the audio about ALGOP's future relative to the House Republican caucus and its members.
Stadthagen would go on to resign as House majority leader and win the ALGOP chair.
Mooney declined to comment to 1819 News.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
