State Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs) has denied accusations of recording a closed-door House Republican caucus meeting after he was removed from the meeting, kicked out of the caucus and stripped of his chairmanship of the Shelby County Legislative Committee.
Mooney was kicked out of the impromptu caucus meeting on Wednesday evening, which was called to discuss legislation related to efforts to change the Public Service Commission. According to witnesses, House Majority Leader Paul Lee (R-Dothan) reportedly grabbed Mooney’s phone and escorted him out of the meeting.
Closed-door caucus meetings and the discussions that occur behind those doors are considered confidential, and leadership has always taken a dim view of leaks from those internal discussions.
Earlier this year, audio leaked from a caucus meeting put House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) in the doghouse with some party loyalists after he raised concerns about then-House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen's (R-Hartselle) previously announced bid for the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) chairmanship.
In a statement sent to 1819 News, Lee confirmed Mooney’s ouster from the caucus, claiming support from its members.
"Caucus meetings are intended to serve as a forum for Republican members to work through issues privately,” Lee said. “These are family discussions, and the caucus policy is to not discuss what happens during these internal meetings. Representative Mooney is no longer a member of the House Republican Caucus following a decision made by the caucus."
Additionally, sources have also confirmed that Mooney was removed from his chairmanship on the Shelby County Legislative Committee.
Thursday afternoon, the veteran Shelby County lawmaker provided a statement to 1819 News, denying accusations of having ever recorded or leaked audio from caucus meetings.
“It has truly been an honor to represent District 43 for the past 12 years, and I have always taken that responsibility seriously,” Mooney said. “Throughout my time in office, I have worked to serve with honesty, transparency, and a strong commitment to doing what is right for the people I represent.”
“Let me be absolutely clear: I did not, nor have I ever, recorded or attempted to record a Republican caucus meeting. That claim is simply false. I believe in respecting the integrity of the legislative process and the trust placed in those who serve, and I have always conducted myself accordingly," he added.
Mooney stressed his desire to finish out the session and continue working for his district.
“The people of District 43 deserve a representative who is focused on solutions, not distractions, and that is exactly what I intend to continue doing,” Mooney continued.
“I am grateful for the trust and support I have received over the years, and I will keep working every day to earn it," he added. "It is a privilege to serve this district, and I remain committed to finishing this session strong.”
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