State GOP Senate candidates on Roy Moore: It’s up to Alabama voters

As top Republicans nationally call for Roy Moore to end his Alabama Senate run amid allegations of sexual misconduct, Tennessee’s two GOP U.S. Senate candidates say Alabama voters should have the final say on the embattled candidate’s future.

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Brentwood, and former U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Frog Jump, each issued their first statements to the USA Today Network — Tennessee on the controversy surrounding Moore. Five women have stepped forward accusing Moore of past sexual misconduct, including when the women were in their teens.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said Moore should “step aside.” But neither Blackburn nor Fincher agreed when asked to comment on whether Moore should leave the race.

“These allegations are extremely disturbing and if true I cannot support his candidacy for the United States Senate, but it’s up to the people of Alabama to ultimately decide,” Blackburn said in a statement.

Fincher did not address the allegations.

“That’s up to Alabama voters,” Fincher said of Moore’s candidacy. “I’m focused on Tennessee. The problems in this country are enormous. The debt. The deficit. The swamp. I’m going to run on what’s right and best for Tennessee and Tennesseans. Those are the things that I can do something about and that’s what we are going to fight for.”

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has said Moore should withdraw from the race if allegations are true. Departing U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, whose seat Blackburn and Fincher are seeking, said Moore’s nomination was “a bridge too far” even before the allegations.

Democratic Senate candidate James Mackler has been on the offensive since the Moore controversy erupted Nov. 9, arguing Blackburn has been “silent on fellow Breitbart-endorsed candidate Roy Moore.” Mackler has called on Blackburn to denounce his candidacy.

“Roy Moore is not fit to serve in the U.S. Senate and Congresswoman Blackburn should say so,” Mackler has said.

Tennessee’s 2018 U.S. Senate race is next November, with primaries set for August. Blackburn and Fincher are the only Republicans who have announced their candidacy after conservative activist Andy Ogles dropped out of the race Wednesday.

Although Mackler is the lone declared Democratic candidate, former Gov. Phil Bredesen and Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke also are weighing runs.

Reach Joey Garrison at 615-259-8236, jgarrison@tennessean.com and on Twitter @joeygarrison.