Incumbent Congresswoman Martha Roby on Thursday endorsed Dothan businessman Jeff Coleman in Tuesday’s Republican primary runoff. Barry Moore, who challenged Roby’s re-election in the 2018 Republican primary, dismissed the endorsement.
“I fully support Jeff Coleman to be our next Congressman,” Roby said in a statement. “Jeff Coleman is a businessman who supports cutting government regulation and lowering taxes to help grow a strong economy. Jeff strongly supports our men and women serving in uniform, as well as our veterans. The Second District needs someone who will support our interests right here in southeast Alabama, particularly our farmers. Jeff will do just that. He’ll get results for Alabama.”
Former State Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) said in a statement: “While we appreciate Martha’s service, let’s remember that she has been part of the establishment in Washington for a long time–the same swamp President Trump has been trying to drain. The people of District 2 will always remember that Martha Roby turned her back on Donald Trump when he needed us most. She was the first member of Congress to draft a letter asking him to drop out of the Presidential race. That is something that we will never forget. President Trump needs our support. Can we really trust Roby/Coleman for that?”
“I am proud to be endorsed by The House Freedom Fund, the PAC of the House Freedom Caucus,” Moore continued. “The members of the Freedom Caucus are considered the President’s closest advisors in the House and they have been leading the conservative fight in Congress. The voter’s choice is the same old swamp with Coleman or Barry Moore, who is supported by the most Conservative group in Congress. I look forward to representing the people of District 2 and I am thankful for their support.”
The Coleman campaign responded to Moore’s response.
Coleman campaign manager Dalton Dismukes said, “Mr. Moore cites Representative Roby’s service as “she has been part of the establishment in Washington for a long time” as she served five terms. This is interesting because in the Tuesday WTVY Debate, Mr. Moore, when pressed about his support of term limits and how long he would stay went on to say he would serve “maybe 10 years–five terms” Just seems hypocritical and inconsistent.”
“Mr. Moore also cites Rep. Roby’s past with President Trump saying Rep. Roby was part of, “The same swamp President Trump has been trying to drain.” But he didn’t mention that President Trump actually endorsed Rep. Roby in 2018 when he tweeted, “I fully endorse Martha for Alabama 2nd Congressional District!,” Dismukes added. “Lastly, and arguably most importantly, Mr. Moore is quoted as saying, “The people of District 2 will always remember when Martha Roby turned her back on Donald Trump when he needed us most.” Yet he is proud to be endorsed by Club for Growth who spent $7,000,000 against Trump the very same year and the very same election.”
Club for Growth PAC is supporting Moore as well as Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville and First Congressional candidate Bill Hightower in Tuesday’s Republican primary runoff.
Coleman has been endorsed by the Business Council of Alabama, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Alabama Farmer’s Federation.
