State Representative Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs) has never run statewide before and he has never coached football so he has a name recognition deficit compared to most of his GOP rivals for U.S. Senate. Thursday, Mooney announced his first TV ad to address that name recognition deficit.
The ad, “Follow Him” tells the story of Mooney and his wife Kelly’s life of faith they’ve lived in Alabama.
“Jesus said there’s no greater love than giving your life for others,” Rep. Mooney says in the commercial. “We sure haven’t been perfect, but Kelly and I have tried over 37 years, teaching our children to follow Him. My dad always said, “Son, just do the next right thing. God will take care of the rest.” In Washington, I’ll do the right thing. And if I didn’t, rest assured, Kelly would whoop me upside the head. My name is Arnold Mooney and I approve this message.”
Mooney grew up in Montgomery where he attended public schools and met his wife, Kelly, at a Bible study. He later moved to North Shelby County where he became a highly successful commercial real estate broker.
In 2014 Mooney ran for the Alabama state legislature. He was re-elected in 2018.
In Montgomery, Mooney has championed Pro-Life legislation and conservative governance including legislation to guarantee a right without being forced to join a union of professional association to work in the state Constitution. That amendment was overwhelmingly approved by Alabama voters. During the 2019 legislative session, Mooney opposed the ten cent a gallon gas tax increase despite enormous pressure from Montgomery lobbyists, the Governor, and the House leadership. Mooney also supported passage of the nation’s strongest abortion ban during this most recent session.
Mooney stresses his faith as a qualification for office.
“The death, burial and resurrection of Christ is the most important thing in my life and He guides my whole world view,” Mooney explained. “I want Alabama Christians to know I am the candidate in this race who will stand for them, and who they can rely on.”
The ad will run statewide as part of a six-figure ad buy.
Mooney officially qualified at Republican Party Headquarters in Hoover on Tuesday for the Senate seat currently held by Doug Jones (D).
Mooney joins a crowded Republican field that includes: former Chief Justice Roy Moore, businessman Stanley Adair, Secretary of State John H. Merrill, Congressman Bradley Byrne, and former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville.
The Republican primary will be March 3. The winner of the Republican primary will then face Doug Jones in the November 3 general election.
