RNC reverses course, backs Moore campaign

WASHINGTON—The Republican National Committee (RNC) decided Monday to support Roy Moore’s Senate campaign, following President Donald Trump’s lead. The president on Monday morning officially endorsed Moore for the U.S. Senate seat in Alabama vacated when Jeff Sessions became U.S. attorney general. By the end of the day, the RNC announced it would reverse its decision to cut ties with the Moore campaign and work to help him defeat Democrat Doug Jones in next Tuesday’s election. Less than three weeks ago, the RNC voided a joint fundraising agreement with the Moore campaign after reports surfaced about the candidate’s relationships with teenage girls in Alabama when he was in his early 30s. At least nine women have come forward to accuse Moore of inappropriate conduct, including two who accused Moore of sexually assaulting them when they were minors. Moore denies the reports. Trump spoke to Moore by phone Monday—the first communication between them since the accusations surfaced. “Just got off the phone with President Trump who offered his full support and said he needs a fighter to help him in the US Senate,” Moore tweeted Monday. “I look forward to fighting alongside the President.” After the call, a pro-Trump super PAC, America First Action, invested $1.1 million in pro-Moore television ads in Alabama set to run in the days leading up to the election. The White House said last month Trump did not plan to campaign for Moore in Alabama, but he scheduled a Friday rally just over the state line in Pensacola, Fla.—four days before voters go to the polls in Alabama.