The rumors swirling around the Alabama State House about potential indictments against former or sitting lawmakers appear to be just that — rumors, according to State Sen. Arthur Orr.
During an appearance this week on “The Dale Jackson Show,” Orr (R-Decatur) directly addressed speculation that a grand jury may hand down indictments involving members of the Legislature. While acknowledging he has heard the chatter, Orr said he has seen no evidence to support the claims and urged skepticism.
“Yeah, it’s a rumor,” Orr said. “I hadn’t seen any tangible evidence of it.”
Orr suggested the speculation may be little more than political gossip amplified through Montgomery’s lobbying and legislative circles.
“Sometimes there’s a bar down there named Bud’s,” Orr said. “And sometimes I think some of the lobbyists get together, pull a napkin out, and say, ‘Let’s make this one up.’ You tell this person, you tell that person, and let’s see how long it takes to get back to us.”
The Decatur Republican said he has seen similar rumors surface repeatedly over the years, only to quietly disappear without any action ever materializing.
“I’ve heard it before where ‘some shoe is going to drop,” Orr said. “And nobody ever sees the shoe, much less watches it drop.”
When pressed to clarify whether he was dismissing the possibility entirely, Orr was careful to say he could only speak from experience, but reiterated that he remains highly skeptical.
“Exactly,” Orr responded. “I’ve heard them before, and I’m very skeptical.”
Jackson noted that Orr was the first guest he had spoken with to so openly downplay the rumors, as speculation has circulated privately among lawmakers, lobbyists, and political observers in recent weeks.
While Orr did not deny that investigations can and do occur, he said that unfounded talk can take on a life of its own in Montgomery, particularly during legislative sessions when tensions and political stakes are high.
As of now, no indictments have been announced, no official statements have been made by prosecutors, and no evidence has surfaced to substantiate the claims circulating inside the State House.
