Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Birmingham, says he’s never tried to record a House GOP Caucus meeting, calling the claim “simply false.”

Alabama Daily News reported earlier this week that Mooney, who is running for his fourth term in the Legislature, was removed from a Wednesday caucus meeting and kicked out of the caucus, after being caught attempting to record the closed-door meeting.

Majority Leader Paul Lee, R-Dothan, confirmed to ADN Mooney was removed from the caucus.

In a statement to ADN Friday morning, Mooney said he has served 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,” he said. “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.

“Unfortunately, in today’s political environment, distractions and misinformation can sometimes take attention away from the real work that needs to be done. My focus has not changed. I remain committed to representing District 43 with diligence and integrity, and to making decisions that reflect the values and priorities of the people I serve.”

The meeting was held Wednesday afternoon to discuss how to move forward on House Bill 475, the Public Service Commission overhaul bill that had been significantly changed in the Senate. The issue has...

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