GOP seeks common ground with Jones

Senator-elect gets call from Trump

WASHINGTON — Sen.elect Doug Jones said he spoke with top Republicans on Wednesday, including President Donald Trump, and discussed finding common ground after the Democrat scored a stunning victory Tuesday night over GOP nominee Roy Moore in the special election for an Alabama Senate seat.

This came just hours after the president sought to distance himself from Mr. Moore’s loss by reminding his Twitter followers that he had doubts about Mr. Moore — who has been tainted by recent allegations of sexual misconduct involving underage girls — months ago. Back then, Mr. Trump supported Luther Strange, the Republican who was appointed to fill the Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions, now the attorney general.

“The reason I originally endorsed Luther Strange (and his numbers went up mightily), is that I said Roy Moore will not be able to win the General Election” Mr. Trump wrote in a Twitter post. “I was right! Roy worked hard but the deck was stacked against him!”

Mr. Jones said he spoke with Mr. Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Alabama’s two GOP senators, Richard Shelby and Mr. Strange. He also received a phone call from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Mr. Jones told reporters Wednesday that he had a “very gracious call” with the president, who had endorsed Mr. Moore after Mr. Strange’s primary loss.

“We talked about finding that common ground,” Mr. Jones said, adding that Mr. Trump invited him to the White House when he comes to Washington.

Mr. Jones declined to join other Senate Democrats who have called on Mr. Trump to resign over sexual harassment allegations. Those Democrats include Sen. Cory Booker, DN.J., who campaigned for Mr. Jones recently.

“I’m going to let Sen. Booker and other senators make that judgment right now,” said Mr. Jones, a former U.S. attorney, adding that he is focused on Alabama issues. It is not clear when Mr. Jones will head to the Senate. The election results still need to be certified, and the certification deadline is Jan. 3.

In the meantime, Senate Republicans are hustling to move on a bill overhauling the tax code while they still have a two-seat majority. Mr. Jones declined to weigh in on whether the vote should be delayed until he is sworn in, which Democrats are demanding.

He said he is hoping to play a role in securing funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and generally working across the aisle.

Mr. Moore has not conceded the race due to outstanding ballots, insisting there should be a recount.