G.O.P. Dilemma: Support Roy Moore or Not
Roy S. Moore, the Senate candidate from Alabama, is accused of sexual misconduct with minors. President Trump has endorsed him, but other Republicans are wrestling with the political risk of supporting him.
By CHRIS CIRILLO on Publish Date December 4, 2017. Photo by William Widmer for The New York Times. Watch in Times Video »
WASHINGTON — President Trump on Monday offered a strong endorsement of Roy S. Moore, the Republican Senate candidate in Alabama embroiled in accusations that he had inappropriate sexual relations with underage girls.
While many Republicans called for Mr. Moore to drop out of the race after several women came out with their stories, Mr. Trump has defended him, saying that Mr. Moore denied the accounts and deserved to be heard.
In a statement, the White House said that Mr. Trump and Mr. Moore spoke on the phone and that the president endorsed Mr. Moore's campaign.
"The President had a positive call with Judge Roy Moore during which they discussed the state of the Alabama Senate race and the President endorsed Judge Moore's campaign," the statement said.
Mr. Moore wrote about the endorsement on Twitter.
"Go get 'em, Roy!" - President Trump
Just got off the phone with President Trump who offered his full support and said he needs a fighter to help him in the US Senate.
I look forward to fighting alongside the President to #MAGA!
— Judge Roy Moore (@MooreSenate) Dec. 4, 2017
On Twitter earlier on Monday, Mr. Trump described why Mr. Moore had to win: "We need his vote on stopping crime, illegal immigration, Border Wall, Military, Pro Life, V.A., Judges 2nd Amendment and more."
Democrats refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican Roy Moore to win in Alabama. We need his vote on stopping crime, illegal immigration, Border Wall, Military, Pro Life, V.A., Judges 2nd Amendment and more. No to Jones, a Pelosi/Schumer Puppet!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) Dec. 4, 2017
Putting Pelosi/Schumer Liberal Puppet Jones into office in Alabama would hurt our great Republican Agenda of low on taxes, tough on crime, strong on military and borders...& so much more. Look at your 401-k's since Election. Highest Stock Market EVER! Jobs are roaring back!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) Dec. 4, 2017
Mr. Moore, a former state Supreme Court judge, has been accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl and of sexually assaulting another teenager when he was a prosecutor in his 30s. He has denied any sexual misconduct, and rejected all calls to quit the race.
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"Thankful for President Trump's support," Mr. Moore said in another Twitter post on Monday.
Mr. Moore's wife, Kayla, posted an update to her Facebook account on Monday morning, thanking the president as well.
"Judge Moore just got off the phone with President Trump-we have his full support! Thank you Mr. President! Let's MAGA!" Ms. Moore wrote, referring to Mr. Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again."
The fight over the highly contested Senate seat, which became vacant when Mr. Trump tapped Jeff Sessions to be his attorney general, comes at a time when sexual misconduct has become a national discussion.
Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader from Kentucky, was initially outspoken in his support of the women who accused Mr. Moore, saying he had no reason not to believe their stories. But on Sunday, Mr. McConnell said he was going to let the people of Alabama decide.
Mr. McConnell has said that the Senate Ethics Committee should investigate the allegations against Mr. Moore if he is elected.
The special election is Dec. 12.
Mr. Trump has not said whether he would travel to Alabama and campaign for Mr. Moore. The White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said last week that Mr. Trump was "not planning any trip to Alabama at this time" and that his schedule did not allow such a trip before the election.
However, the president is expected to attend a rally in Pensacola, Fla., on Friday, which is in the Mobile, Ala. media market. This would allow Mr. Trump to help get the vote out for Mr. Moore without setting foot in Alabama.
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