Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) criticized Wednesday the Republican National Committee's decision to financially support Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore — and issued an ultimatum to the National Republican Senatorial Committee if they choose to do the same.
What happened?
After initially cutting ties with Moore in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct against him — including allegations that he molested a 14-year-old girl in his early 30s — the RNC recently resumed funding for the embattled candidate. The reversal came shortly after President Donald Trump offered his full support to Moore.
Sasse wrote that the Republican National Committee’s reversal was “a bad decision and very sad day.”
“I believe the women--and RNC previously did too. What's changed? Or is the party just indifferent?” he asked.
This is a bad decision and very sad day. I believe the women--and RNC previously did too. What's changed? Or is the… https://t.co/l8WqwMTDgY— Ben Sasse (@Ben Sasse) 1512562482.0
He added that if the NRSC decides to contribute to Moore’s campaign, “I will no longer be a donor to or fundraiser for it.”
The allegations against Moore have sharply divided Republicans. Some, such as the president, have chosen to support Moore, while others have decided to support a write-in candidate or abstain.
Democrats refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican Roy Moore to win in Alabama.… https://t.co/cTTqHa3YXL— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1512386225.0
Republicans such as former presidential candidate Mitt Romney have offered their support to the accusers. Romney said Moore’s election to the Senate “would be a stain on the GOP and on the nation.”
“No vote, no majority is worth losing our honor, our integrity,” he added.
Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) expressed his opposition to Moore with a donation to Doug Jones, Moore's Democratic rival in Tuesday's special election.
Country over Party https://t.co/JZMTaEYdxQ— Jeff Flake (@Jeff Flake) 1512509928.0
Sasse, however, pushed back on Flake’s choice as well, arguing it wasn’t necessary to support either candidate.
This donation is a bad idea. It's possible to be against BOTH partial birth abortion AND child molestation. Happil… https://t.co/BE0HgGlmgn— Ben Sasse (@Ben Sasse) 1512519317.0
Asked about the NRSC's plans for the Alamaba Senate race by NBC News, Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) chairman of the NRSC, replied that the organization's position "has not changed, and will not change.”
This story has been updated to include Gardner's comments about the Alabama race.