GOP grandees support Moore despite teenage sex allegations

MOST senior Republicans in Alabama say they will vote for their party’s senate candidate tomorrow despite allegations that Roy Moore preyed on teenage girls.

President Donald Trump has endorsed Mr Moore, a former judge, and called on supporters to ensure the election of someone who supports his “Make America Great Again” agenda.

The result is perhaps the biggest test yet of Mr Trump’s culture war and whether voters are prepared to shrug off serious concerns about a candidate as “fake news”.

“I have stated both publicly and privately over the last month that unless these allegations were proven to be true I would continue to plan to vote for the Republican nominee, Judge Roy Moore,” John Merrill, Alabama secretary of state, said. “I have already cast my absentee ballot and I voted for Judge Moore.”

Multiple women have accused Mr Moore of sexual misconduct. One alleges he initiated a sexual encounter with her she was 14 and he was 32. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The result is proving a quandary for voters in a usually reliable Republican state, but a majority of Republican party leaders who responded to inquiries from The Associated Press said they were sticking with their candidate.

Some cited the importance of keeping the seat in Republican hands – particularly when the party has only a two-seat majority in the senate.

Many also face re-election next year and know that Mr Moore has an enthusiastic base of support within the party.

The election is being held to replace Jeff Sessions, who became Attorney General in Mr Trump’s administration.