GOP loss in Alabama could be wake-up call

WASHINGTON — A GOP loss in the Alabama Senate race would be a gift to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — and, some Republicans say, a badly needed wake-up call for a divided party panicked over a candidate accused of sexual misconduct with a child.

“Republicans have been willing to overlook a lot of things, but there’s something about losing an election that seems to focus the mind,” said Charlie Sykes, a veteran conservative commentator.

Roy Moore, the GOP’s Senate nominee in Alabama, has been accused of multiple instances of sexual misconduct with teenage girls — including a 14-year-old, as well as sexual assault of a 16-year-old — in incidents dating back decades. The first instances were reported by The Washington Post and on Monday, another graphic, on-therecord account from another woman emerged.

Moore has denied the allegations but faces mounting pressure to get out of the race.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Cory Gardner warned on Monday: “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.”

GOP leaders are exploring write-in campaign options, and some are talking about whether the special election date could be moved.

To Republicans who have had qualms about President Donald Trump — and the GOP base’s inclination to gloss over his controversial comments, actions and history — the Moore episode offers an opportunity to draw lines in the sand and prove there are limits to supporting a candidate because he or she is not a Democrat.

Moore’s allies say he is going to stay in — and win. But if he loses, some strategists say, that would send a message to a party that has forgiven other charged moments.

“I’m not sure what it’s going to take for Republicans to understand that they’ve got to distance themselves from some pretty ugly elements that are staining the party,” said Peter Wehner, who served in the last three GOP administrations but is a Trump critic. “Losing will begin to get the attention of Republican lawmakers.”