Most Republican senators have been quick to distance themselves from Roy Moore since allegations emerged in the Washington Post late last week that he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl when he was 32 and pursued relationships with three other teenagers. With legislators having time to review the claims, and with a new accuser coming forward on Monday, senators put even more space between themselves and the Alabama Senate candidate. We’re collecting a running list of public statements. Senators are falling largely into one of three camps: Those who want Moore to drop out now, those who think he should drop out “if the allegations are true,” and those who have remained pretty quiet. This list is incomplete and will be updated as circumstances warrant.
Elsewhere in THE WEEKLY STANDARD, Michael Warren looks at Jeff Sessions’ claim that he is not considering running for his old seat as a write-in. John McCormack is tracking the senators who would expel Moore if he wins.
Get Out—Now
Steve Daines, Montana
I am pulling my endorsement and support for Roy Moore for U.S. Senate.
— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) November 10, 2017
Richard Shelby, Alabama
Richard Shelby says the accounts of the women accusing Roy Moore are “believable.”
He’s advocating for a write-in campaign for Luther Strange.
— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) November 13, 2017
Roy Blunt, Missouri
“The women have a more credible story than Judge Moore,” Blunt said, in a statement released Monday by his office. “Alabama voters should have a better choice and Judge Moore should have better answers to these charges.”—In a statement
Tom Cotton, Arkansas
Sen. Cotton statement: “Roy Moore faces specific, credible allegations and he hasn’t offered a specific, credible defense. I haven’t supported him, I don’t support him, and I can’t urge Alabama voters to support him.”
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) November 15, 2017
Robert Corker, Tennessee
Look, I’m sorry, but even before these reports surfaced, Roy Moore’s nomination was a bridge too far.
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) November 11, 2017
Susan Collins, Maine
I have now read Mr. Moore’s statement and listened to his radio interview in which he denies the charges. I did not find his denials to be convincing and believe that he should withdraw from the Senate race in Alabama.
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) November 13, 2017
Ted Cruz, Texas
“As it stands, I can’t urge the people of Alabama to support a campaign in the face of these charges without serious, persuasive demonstration that the charges are not true.”—Quote to a Texas Tribune reporter
Cory Gardner, Colorado (NRSC chairman)
“I believe the individuals speaking out against Roy Moore spoke with courage and truth, proving he is unfit to serve in the United States Senate and he should not run for office. If he refuses to withdraw and wins, the Senate should vote to expel him, because he does not meet the ethical and moral requirements of the United States Senate.”—NRSC statement
Jeff Flake, Arizona
Just to be clear. If the choice is between Roy Moore and a Democrat, I would run to the polling place to vote for the Democrat https://t.co/Ec96HRt228
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 13, 2017
(Flake refused to endorse Moore because of his beliefs, well before Moore was accused of sexual assault.)
Lindsey Graham, South Carolina
In light of the most recent allegations and the cumulative effect of others, I believe #RoyMoore would be doing himself, the state, the GOP, and the country a service by stepping aside.
If he continues this will not end well for Mr. Moore.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) November 13, 2017
Chuck Grassley, Iowa
“He should step aside. The trouble is, if he agreed to step aside, his name is still on the ballot. People can still vote for him and he could get elected. I believe [the allegations]” Grassley said in a TV interview.
Orrin Hatch, Utah
I stand with the Majority Leader on this. These are serious and disturbing accusations, and while the decision is now in the hands of the people of Alabama, I believe Luther Strange is an excellent alternative. https://t.co/L7IallXhBc
— Orrin Hatch (@OrrinHatch) November 13, 2017
Mike Lee, Utah
Having read the detailed description of the incidents, as well as the response from Judge Moore and his campaign, I can no longer endorse his candidacy for the US Senate.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 10, 2017
John McCain, Arizona
The allegations against Roy Moore are deeply disturbing and disqualifying. He should immediately step aside and allow the people of Alabama to elect a candidate they can be proud of.
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) November 9, 2017
Mitch McConnell, Kentucky
“I think he should step aside. I believe the woman.”—News conference in Louisville
Pat Toomey, Kansas
“I think the accusations have more credibility than the denial. I think it would be best if Roy would just step aside.”—Meet the Press
Step Aside—If True
John Barrasso, Wyoming
“These charges seem very credible, they’re very disturbing. If true, he should move aside. There’s a month between now and the election. Ultimately, the people of Alabama are going to have to make that decision.”—Interview with CNBC
Ron Johnson, Wisconsin
If true, these allegations describe intolerable behavior and are disqualifying.”
John Cornyn, Texas
“[T]he accusations against Roy Moore are disturbing and, if true, disqualifying.”—Statement
Joni Ernst, Iowa
“If the allegations are true, he needs to step aside. [The accusers] have a compelling quote.”—In response to a reporter’s questions
Lisa Murkowski, Alaska
Murkowski has suggested a write-in Luther Strange.
I’m horrified and if this is true he needs to step down immediately.—quote to reporters
David Perdue, Georgia
GOP Sen. David Perdue says he hasn’t read the story but just saw it:
“It’s devastating. I think if those allegations are true, he should step aside. I mean, I’m sorry but this is untenable — if they’re true. I have no facts, I just saw the story. But it’s very serious.”
— Emma Loop (@LoopEmma) November 9, 2017
Rob Portman, Ohio
“[V]ery troubling. I think if what we read is true, and people are on the record so I assume it is, then he should step aside. I think it’d be best for him, best for the state.”—in a statement
Ben Sasse, Nebraska
“The Post’s story is appalling and heartbreaking,” Sasse said in a statement. “If there’s an ounce of truth to any of this, Roy Moore has no place in public life and ought to drop out immediately. Alabamians should start thinking about who they’ll write in but it’s obvious that conservatives deserve better than this.”—in a statement. (Sasse never endorsed Moore.)
Tim Scott, South Carolina
“Well, certainly, the allegations are very, very strong. The denial was not as strong as the allegations. I think, if the allegations are true, there’s no doubt that he should step aside, and not for the party, but for the American people. We have to find a way to restore trust and confidence in our elected officials, in our government. And this goes in the wrong direction.”—on Face the Nation
John Thune, South Dakota
“The allegations, if true, to me, mean he may need to step aside. I think if he does what he should do, and does the right thing and steps aside, I don’t think it will hurt the Republican Party.”—quote to a reporter.
Awfully Quiet
Rand Paul, Kentucky
