Flake: GOP backing Moore over Dem ‘is political tribalism at its worst’

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) on Sunday urged Republicans not to succumb to “political tribalism” in backing embattled Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore (R). 

“After what we know, for Republicans to support Roy Moore over Doug Jones is political tribalism at its worst,” Flake tweeted.

After what we know, for Republicans to support Roy Moore over Doug Jones is political tribalism at its worst. We shouldn’t succumb to it

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 26, 2017

Moore is under pressure from numerous Republican lawmakers to step down in the race. He faces allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women, including claims that he made advances on teenage girls decades ago when he was in his 30s.

Moore has been defiant, refusing to drop out of the race and calling the allegations an effort by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to steal the election from Alabama voters.

{mosads}Last week, President Trump appeared to back Moore and downplayed the allegations facing the candidate.

“He denies it. He totally denies it,” Trump said, adding that “we don’t need a liberal person in there.”

Trump continued his attacks on Democratic candidate Doug Jones on Sunday, calling him weak on crime and suggesting he would be a “puppet” for Democratic leadership.

Flake, who has announced he will not seek reelection in 2018, has been an outspoken critic of Trump and of Moore. 

Flake has said he would vote for Jones over Moore, calling the president’s decision to support Moore “a big mistake.”