By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Wednesday, April 26, 2017, suspended Chief Justice Roy Moore (R) announced that he is running for the US Senate seat in this year’s Special Election. Moore joins a crowded Republican field that includes: state Representative Ed Henry (R-Hartselle), US Senator Luther Strange (R), and former Alabama Christian Coalition President Randy Brinson. Marijuana legalization activist Ron Crumpton has announced that he is running as a Democrat.
Judge Moore has retired from the Supreme Court in order to run for this office.
Former Chief Justice Roy Moore said, “Alabama and Washington are at a crossroads. Time and time again we have seen career politicians let us down and act in their best interests, not the best interests of the people of Alabama. It’s time to restore integrity and honor to our nation’s capital and our state’s leadership and that is why I am announcing my campaign for Senate.”
The former Chief Justice said, “Our nation was founded on the firm rock of conservative Christian values. Those values are worth fighting and sacrificing for – and no judge of government can take them away from us. AS your next Senator, I’ll fight for our conservative values – like ending the scourge of illegal immigration, repealing Obamacare, and rooting out radical Islamic terrorism wherever it creeps.”
Moore was recently suspended from the Alabama Supreme Court by the Court of the Judiciary (COJ) after the Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC) charged Moore with violating the canon of judicial ethics for failing to order Alabama probate judges to issue same sex marriage licenses. Moore maintains that he ruled correctly as the full Supreme Court still had a case open about same sex marriage and unilaterally ordering the probate judges to issue the licenses would have exceeded his authority as Chief Justice. Moore also maintains that the JIC exceeded its authority.
Moore promised, “I’ll tell the truth about judges who put themselves above the Constitutioan
Moore joins Ed Henry, Luther Strange, Randy Brinson, and Ron Crumpton as announced candidates in the Senate race. We are expecting more announcements in coming days.
Moore’s announcement came on the birthday of his wife, Kayla who was present for the announcement on the Capital steps.
Moore was elected twice to be the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court; but he lost two bids to be the Republican nominee for Alabama Governor in 2010 and 2006.
Moore is considered to be the frontrunner in this race as he has the most name recognition, even though Luther Strange holds the Senate seat after he was appointed by then Governor Robert Bentley (R). Strange was Alabama Attorney General at the time.
Moore’s strong stances on acknowledging God and opposing same sex marriage make him a polarizing figure, even within the Alabama Republican Party. Some political observers question whether or not Judge Moore can get 51 percent of the vote in a Republican primary in which he is likely to be outspent. However when Gov. Bentley asked the 550 member Alabama Republican Executive Committee who he should appoint to fill the Senate seat of Jeff Sessions, Moore was the overwhelming favorite of the statewide gathering of Republican leaders.
Gov. Ivey has appointed Associate Justice Lyn Stuart (R) to fill the remainder of Moore’s term as Chief Justice.
The major political party primaries will be on August 15th and the special general election will be on December 12, 2017.
To learn more about Moore’s candidacy for Senate visit his website.
