Sen. Ted Cruz
Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzNoem touts South Dakota coronavirus response, knocks lockdowns in CPAC speech Sunday shows preview: 2024 hopefuls gather at CPAC; House passes coronavirus relief; vaccine effort continues Texas attorney general hits links with Trump before CPAC appearance MORE on Monday withdrew his support from Alabama GOP Senate nominee Roy Moore, saying allegations of sexual misconduct should be looked at by prosecutors.
“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,” the Texas Republican told reporters, according to a Texas Tribune reporter.
“Both last week and this week, there are serious charges of criminal conduct that if true, not only make him unfit to serve in the Senate but merit criminal prosecution,” he added.
Cruz’s statement came hours after a fifth woman came forward during a press conference and accused Moore of sexual misconduct when she was a minor.
Beverly Young Nelson alleges that Moore, who was serving as the Etowah County district attorney, sexually assaulted her in a diner parking lot in 1977, when she was a 16-year-old high school student.
Nelson said she felt empowered to come forward after The Washington Post reported last week on four other women who also claim Moore pursued a relationship with them when they were minors.
The bombshell report detailed the account of Leigh Corfman, now 53, who says Moore made unwanted sexual advances with her in 1979, when she was 14 years old and he was 32.
Cruz joined a number of Republican senators distancing themselves from Moore.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellThe bizarre back story of the filibuster The Bible's wisdom about addressing our political tribalism Democrats don't trust GOP on 1/6 commission: 'These people are dangerous' MORE (R-Ky.) on Monday led several senators in calling for Moore to drop out of the race, and Sen. Cory Gardner
Cory GardnerBiden administration reverses Trump changes it says 'undermined' conservation program Gardner to lead new GOP super PAC ahead of midterms OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Court rules against fast-track of Trump EPA's 'secret science' rule | Bureau of Land Management exodus: Agency lost 87 percent of staff in Trump HQ relocation | GM commits to electric light duty fleet by 2035 MORE (R-Colo.), the chairman of the Senate's GOP campaign arm, said the chamber should expel Moore if he wins election in December.
