Exclusive: Roy Moore rebounds in polls as accusations are discredited

Alabama’s special U.S. Senate election is less than one month away and a new poll shows Republican nominee Roy Moore holding a solid lead over his Democratic opponent Doug Jones.

In a poll conducted by Sky Research on Tuesday Nov. 21 among registered Alabama voters, the results show Moore with 46.7 percent support to Jones’ 39.6 percent. 13.7 percent of voters polled remain undecided. With a margin of error of 3.1 percent, Moore maintains significant lead over Jones, but the undecided voters could swing the election either way.

When asked “Do you consider your political views to be more in line with the Republican or Democrat party?,” 62.3 percent of 1,059 respondents identified as Republican, while 37.7 percent Democrat.

The results come as President Donald Trump on Tuesday avowed his support for the former Alabama Chief Justice for first time since Moore was accused of sexually pursuing at least nine women when he was in his 30s and they were in their teens. Trump had previously said, through the White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, “Like most Americans, the president believes we cannot allow a mere allegation, in this case, one from many years ago, to destroy a person’s life. However, the president also believes that if these allegations are true, Judge Moore will do the right thing and step aside.”

On Tuesday, Trump himself said Moore “totally denies” the allegations against him. Reiterating that the country doesn’t “need” liberal Jones in the seat.

“Let me just tell you, Roy Moore denies it. That’s all I can say. He denies it. By the way, he totally denies it,” Trump told reporters as he was departing Washington for his Mar-a-Lago resort for the Thanksgiving holiday. “I can tell you one thing for sure, we don’t need a liberal person in there, a Democrat. I’ve looked at his record — it’s terrible on crime, it’s terrible on the border, it’s terrible on the military.”

Tuesday’s poll comes in sharp contrast to Louisiana-based JMC Analytics poll AL.com reported on just a week ago Sunday, just three days after the allegations first came out.

“The poll had Jones received 46 percent support in the poll to Moore’s 42 percent. With a margin of error of 4 percent, however, the race is essentially a statistical tie,” reported AL.com.

Since that time, women from across the state have stepped forward defending Moore’s character. On Friday, on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol, more than 30 women stood united in their support of the embattled nominee.

There, Ann Eubank, the statewide co-chair of Rainy Day Patriots, and the legislative chair of the Alabama Legislative Watchdogs, spoke on behalf of Moore’s character going so far as to say if the ” state Republican Party decide to remove Moore from the ballot, or if they worked to disallow or decertify an election won by Moore, there would be a revolt, which she said would be ‘bad’ for Republicans in next year’s statewide election.”

Among the accusations that have been debunked is that Moore was banned from the Gadsen Mall. A former manager appeared on WBRC news to say though they did have written reports of those who were banned he did not recall Moore ever being on that list.

That report is in addition to statements released on Monday, where several witnesses came forward to discredit the accusations made by Beverly Nelson and her lawyer Gloria Allred against Moore. On Monday, Rhonda Ledbetter, a retired public school teacher who is currently the senior choir director at a Baptist church and teaches children at a local, church-sponsored day care center, went on record debunking Beverly Nelson’s claim against Moore.

“When I heard Beverly Nelson’s story, there were several details that were different from what I remember. I was nervous at coming forward because of all the attention this story has gotten, but as a moral and ethical person I had to speak up about what I know to be true,” Ledbetter recounted. “I was a waitress at Olde Hickory for almost three years from 1977-1979, and I never saw Roy Moore come in to the restaurant. Not one time.”

Moore faces the Democratic nominee Doug Jones in the special election on Dec. 12.

Alabama Women Affirm the Character of Judge Roy Moore GADSDEN, Ala. – This evening, the Judge Roy Moore Campaign for U.S. Senate released the statements of twelve women who are coming forward as character witnesses for Roy Moore. Here are their statements:

“I have known Roy Moore for about forty years. Roy and I briefly dated when I was in my twenties. While I was around Roy, either just the two of us or with other people, he was always a true gentleman treating me with respect and courtesy. I can honestly say that I never have seen or heard any inappropriate remarks or behaviors while he was around me. I believe that Roy lives by his Christian beliefs and is a good man."

- Jennie Klingenbeck, Birmingham, AL (previously Gadsden, Alabama).

"My name is Jaime Moses and I was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama. I worked at Uncle Sam’s BBQ (closed now) for 10 years while in my 20’s and waited on Roy Moore and his family. Mr. Moore and his wife were nothing but friendly and respectful. The children were the same, which is a sign of great parenting. He knew many people dining there and spoke and shook hands with everyone. Not once did he make me feel uncomfortable. Working in the food industry can be hard sometimes and Mr. Moore’s kindness to myself and staff did not go unnoticed."

- Jaime Moses, native of Gadsden, Alabama.

"My first remembrance of Roy Moore was grammar school. He was probably in Jr High school but all of us Gallant kids rode the same bus. He was always a gentle, kind boy and grew into an even more admirable man. He was my softball coach in my high school days and was always such a kind person, never a mean or hateful word to any of us. Only kindness and utmost respect! Have been friends with all of his family for many, many years. NEVER heard ANY mention of any such behavior in all these years. Have seen him at the local church several times with his knees bowed in prayer at the altar. Takes time to listen to people. Just a wonderful, Christian man in a small rural community. Devoted to family, friends and most of all God. Proud to know him and will continue to support him with our presence and prayers."

- Sharon Lamkin, Gallant, Alabama

"I have known Roy for over 30 years. I met him in 1984 when he met my sister in church and began dating her. He has always showed honor and dignity. I truly can't even begin to grasp that people would question his character. He has lived by what he preached since the day I met him."

- Kandi Kisor Smith, sister of Kayla Moore.

"I was the receptionist for Roy Moore the first time he was Chief Justice and I am proud of our history. I saw everything that went on in that office and I've never worked for anybody who was more considerate, honest, or kind. We all enjoyed our tenure there. He was always up and above board. If any of these people who are slandering the good name of Roy Moore had ever worked with Judge they would know what a fine person he is. My history with Judge Moore was nothing but pleasurable and this is all upsetting to me."

- Marianne Rhodes, receptionist for Roy Moore during his tenure as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court from 2000-2003.

"I feel it my duty to say that I have known Roy Moore since I was a kid. I worked closely with Roy (adjoining offices) when I was 16 years old. I went to school half a day and worked at the bank half a day. NEVER did he in any way make me feel uncomfortable, flirt, or make advances towards me. He was always a kind and respectable man. We are still friends to this day and I would put my life in his hands if need be. There is not way that these statements these people are making are true. Someone is getting some hefty perks coming from the lies that are being told. I appreciate and respect everything that Roy has done for our state and citizens."

- Elaine Conner Watson, native of Gadsden, Alabama.

"I have known Roy Moore and his family for over thirty years. I spent a great deal of time as a child with his nieces, who lived in close proximity to Mr. Moore's residence. There was never a time I felt uncomfortable or witnessed any inappropriate behavior by him . We have attended the same church for over twenty years and I have always had the utmost respect for the life he leads and the principles he stands for."

- Amanda Pearce, Gadsden, Alabama.

“My name is Doris Mason. I have known Roy Moore for over 50 years. I first met him when I started dating his first cousin, Dennis Mason. Dennis and I married in 1965, eventually had 4 children (3 of whom are girls) and we frequently visited his childhood home prior to our marriage. Roy has been nothing short of a true gentleman toward me, my daughters, and anyone else I have witnessed his interaction with. He spent many evenings in our home around our dinner table. Roy has spent time with all of our children at length and he has always displayed integrity, honesty and impeccable character. It is my belief that the accusations against Roy are completely false! Do I believe that Roy is perfect? Certainly not. No human is. What I do know is that he is a man that I trust and offer my utmost respect to because he has never been anything but respectful towards me and my family!”

- Doris Mason, Attalla, Alabama.

"I have known Roy Moore for 25 years. Roy has always been a kind, caring and generous Man of God. I have never heard anything bad said about Roy. He is a wonderful spiritual leader to his family and has exceptional character."

-Brenda Parrish, Gallant, Alabama.

“My name is Angie Johnson. We have know Roy Moore and his family for more than 25 years. His son was coached on a ball team by my husband ..a team player along side my son. Roy also helped with coaching the team. My husband and I have been guests in his home, in his office in Gadsden as well as Montgomery. I am acquaintances with several members of Roys family. I have never known Roy to exhibit anything other than appropriate behavior during our times together. Further I was raised and lived in Gadsden all of my 50+ years and I have never been aware of any of the incidents that have been spoken of about Roy. I worked in a fast food establishment that Roy frequented during the time period in question. Again ...no behaviour exhibited other than respect and mannerful...during that time Roy had written and recorded a 45 record which he brought over and gifted to my mother. I do not understand waiting years and years to make accusations unless there are political or monetary gains to be made. It is a sad day when someone can take a person's character and attempt to discredit them by making accusations that cannot be proven. How quick everyone is to take the position of judge, juror, and executioner. What if the shoe was on the other foot. I would never condone sexual harassment against anyone if proven.”

- Angie Johnson, native of Gadsden.

“My name is Linda Whitt. I had the pleasure of meeting Roy Moore around 15 years ago. He is related to my husband's brother-in-law. I have never known Roy to be anything other than a gentleman. With that being said, it saddens me that there are those who seek to tarnish the reputation of a good man.”

- Linda Whitt, Duck Springs, Alabama.

“I have known Roy Moore all my life. He is one of the most godly men I've even known. I would trust him with my life and I could call on him for anything and I know he'd be there. He's a wonderful husband, father and granddaddy and loves his family dearly.”

- Jennifer Price, Gallant, Alabama.

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