# Can the Democrats win the Alabama senate special election in December? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [August 13, 2017, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504 "2017-08-13T00:49:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/281 "2017-11-09T20:58:38Z")
From the [Post story](https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/woman-says-roy-moore-initiated-sexual-encounter-when-she-was-14-he-was-32/2017/11/09/1f495878-c293-11e7-afe9-4f60b5a6c4a0_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_moore-art-1pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.128b0c8f3fff): > [@Washington Post](#): > > In a written statement, Moore denied the allegations. > > “These allegations are completely false and are a desperate political attack by the National Democrat Party and the Washington Post on this campaign,” Moore, now 70, said. “National **Democrat** Party”? OMG…is Roy Moore our **doorhinge**? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/282 "2017-11-09T21:01:47Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > From the [Post story](https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/woman-says-roy-moore-initiated-sexual-encounter-when-she-was-14-he-was-32/2017/11/09/1f495878-c293-11e7-afe9-4f60b5a6c4a0_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_moore-art-1pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.128b0c8f3fff): > > “National **Democrat** Party”? OMG…is Roy Moore our **doorhinge**? Hahaha. Moore does lose some of whatever credibility he had left by being unable to properly name the DNC. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/283 "2017-11-09T21:02:57Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Can we call him Roy “Nine Commandments” Moore now? Well, nine and three-quarters – just leave “ass” off the things of thy neighbors that one is not allowed to covet, and he’s golden. ---
**Author:** ![Thing\_Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/284 "2017-11-09T21:05:02Z")
OK, McCain is non-weaselly saying he should step down now, full stop. That’s one. Apparently a Strange write-in campaign isn’t an option because Alabama has a “sore loser” law prohibiting primary losers from running as independents in the general election. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/285 "2017-11-09T21:06:04Z")
> [@Thing\_Fish](#): > > Apparently a Strange write-in campaign isn’t an option because Alabama has a “sore loser” law prohibiting primary losers from running as independents in the general election. There appears to be some legal debate over that. Also some question as to whether the AL laws about candidate withdrawal and certification are constitutional. ---
**Author:** ![Thing\_Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/286 "2017-11-09T21:07:38Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > Moore supporter and Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler is > [quoted in the Montgomery newspaper] > ([Woman says Roy Moore had sexual contact with her when she was 14](http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/politics/southunionstreet/2017/11/09/woman-says-roy-moore-had-sexual-contact-her-when-she-14/848819001/)) saying > So according to this guy, forced sexual contact with a 14 year old is nothing to get worked up about. Isn’t Alabama a delightful place? Not even close to being Zeigler’s most offensive comment on the issue. > [@Jim Zeigler](#): > > "Take Joseph and Mary. Mary was a teenager and Joseph was an adult carpenter. They became parents of Jesus.” ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/287 "2017-11-09T21:08:09Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > The fact that you don’t keep up with thread before getting angry is what’s bizarre. Removing someone from his spot is not a form of punishment? No, it’s not a form of punishment, ferchrissakes. It’s a form of politics. And I’m “angry” in the sense of “irritated at absurdly partisan defenses of child molestors.” Yeah, I guess I’m angry. As for keeping up with the thread? I’m keeping up just fine. > [@](#): > > Furthermore, it seems you are suggesting that people consider unproven accusations with equal weight to facts when casting a vote. There’s some epistemological bullshit right here. “Facts” are known inasmuch as research and investigation reveals them. There’s no such thing as “proof” in the way you’re talking about it. If you’re saying that I don’t wait for a courtroom to give its imprimatur to facts before I judge them in a freakin political campaign, well, you got me. Check out the irony, though: the accusations you’re leveling against me, the punishment, the veritable MOB JUSTICE you’re inflicting on me in this thread, is based on far less evidence than the evidence against Moore. Think about why you’re willing to judge my character so harshly: is that a pitchfork in your hand? Do you really believe I’ve been found guilty before a court of law of giving unproven accusations equal weight to facts when casting a vote? Because goddamn, man, put away the torch! ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/288 "2017-11-09T21:08:46Z")
> [@Thing\_Fish](#): > > Apparently a Strange write-in campaign isn’t an option because Alabama has a “sore loser” law prohibiting primary losers from running as independents in the general election. [The Alabama “sore loser” law](http://www.ago.alabama.gov/opinions/pdf/2014-061.pdf) specifically states that it applies to printing the candidate’s name on the ballot (which is irrelevant because it’s too late to put a new name on the ballot in any case). It doesn’t say anything that would bar writing in a name or counting written-in votes. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/289 "2017-11-09T21:14:07Z")
> [@Thing\_Fish](#): > > Not even close to being Zeigler’s most offensive comment on the issue. > > > [@](#): > > > > Originally Posted by **Jim Zeigler** > > "Take Joseph and Mary. Mary was a teenager and Joseph was an adult carpenter. They became parents of Jesus.” It’s worse than that. I’ve heard that Jesus’s real dad was, like, a million-thousand years old when he got Mary pregnant! :eek:😛 ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/290 "2017-11-09T21:19:24Z")
> [@Steve\_MB](#): > > It’s already too late to substitute another candidate even if Moore were somehow arm-twisted into stepping aside – the deadline has passed and the absentee ballots have started going out. This, from _Talking Points Memo_ Josh Marshall… > [@](#): > > …State law appears to leave no alternative to Roy Moore’s name appearing on the ballot. Luther Strange, the incumbent appointed senator who lost to Moore, can’t appear on the ballot because of the state’s “sore loser” law. However, he could appear as a write-in. This release from the Alabama Secretary of State states explicitly that write-in votes are valid even if the person receiving the vote would be disqualified from appearing on the ballot under the ‘sore loser’ law. > > We are already seeing some calls for Strange to run as a “write-in” candidate. That seems legally feasible but also an extremely narrow path to winning the race… [http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/the-gop-looks-stuck-with-roy-moore](http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/the-gop-looks-stuck-with-roy-moore) (Whole article worthy, only “money quote” excerpted.) So, it exists, sorta kinda. What a bizarre spectacle it would be, the national Pubbies supporting a write in against their own nominee! Could lead to the Great Popcorn Shortage of '17! ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/291 "2017-11-09T21:23:36Z")
> [@Tzigone](#): > > I think one of the most damning things is actually how much news I’m seeing of GOP politicians saying for him to step down (even though it’s too late for him to be replaced on ballot, as I understand it). I wonder if they know something I don’t, even though he hasn’t actually been in D.C. with these folks, so they wouldn’t know him or his proclivities personally. I don’t think their reasons are any different from what I was saying - those GOP politicians have read the article and understand it is well sourced and researched. Having done so they recognize there is a greater likelihood this is true than false and they are smart enough to want nothing to do with Moore in that case. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/292 "2017-11-09T21:24:49Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > The fact that you don’t keep up with thread before getting angry is what’s bizarre. Removing someone from his spot is not a form of punishment? Furthermore, it seems you are suggesting that people consider unproven accusations with equal weight to facts when casting a vote. Have you read the WaPo story? This is not a single ancient-history allegation. This is multiple people, with corroborating witnesses and documentation. If there is not more to come I’d be very surprised. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/293 "2017-11-09T21:39:43Z")
So, **octopus** , let me get this straight. If I’m denied the Alabama senate seat, am I being deprived of my right to due process, too? Where do I go to be sworn in, then? ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/294 "2017-11-09T21:39:56Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > From the [Post story](https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/woman-says-roy-moore-initiated-sexual-encounter-when-she-was-14-he-was-32/2017/11/09/1f495878-c293-11e7-afe9-4f60b5a6c4a0_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_moore-art-1pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.128b0c8f3fff): > > “National **Democrat** Party”? OMG…is Roy Moore our **doorhinge**? This just in: Democrat Collective said to be relieved to not be blamed. Film at 11. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/295 "2017-11-09T21:42:25Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > This just in: Democrat Collective said to be relieved to not be blamed. Film at 11. Ohhh, phew. We won’t need to reschedule our Thursday Night Hillary Worship session. ---
**Author:** ![Thing\_Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/296 "2017-11-09T21:46:52Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > Ohhh, phew. We won’t need to reschedule our Thursday Night Hillary Worship session. Did I sign up to bring pizza or Christian infants for sacrifice this week? ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/297 "2017-11-09T21:48:06Z")
Had to be off the Web for a few hours, taking my wife to an appointment at a place with no wifi, and BOOM, this happens! Bumped the thread at the right time, though. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Thing\_Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/298 "2017-11-09T21:48:10Z")
> [@Steve\_MB](#): > > [The Alabama “sore loser” law](http://www.ago.alabama.gov/opinions/pdf/2014-061.pdf) specifically states that it applies to printing the candidate’s name on the ballot (which is irrelevant because it’s too late to put a new name on the ballot in any case). It doesn’t say anything that would bar writing in a name or counting written-in votes. Thanks. I also read somewhere that Alabama law allows a party to decertify a candidate, in which case votes for him wouldn’t be counted. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/299 "2017-11-09T22:04:57Z")
> [@Thing\_Fish](#): > > Thanks. I also read somewhere that Alabama law allows a party to decertify a candidate, in which case votes for him wouldn’t be counted. I don’t think the party would want to do that – it’d just piss off the hardcore crazies who would vote for Moore anyway as a middle finger to the RINOs. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2017, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504/300 "2017-11-09T22:09:41Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > McConnell is a telling sign. Ordinarily, the would be all about denial. Failing that, they would fall back on too soon, wait for thorough investigation. This is a clear sign they want him gone, and gone soon enough so they can stick somebody else in there and still salvage the seat. Remember too that the RNC and the Senate PAC’s backed “Big” Luther Strange for Governor, to the point of bringing President Trump down here to campaign for him, so there is no great love in the Republican Congress for Da Judge. If they can conspire a way to get Strange back on the Hill (write-in seems to be the only possibility), I think McConnell will be quite happy. > [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > Moore will probably still win. Sadly, it would not surprise me. As much as he is disliked in many areas of Alabama, he has a solid core of supporters (who probably (tragically) see nothing wrong with a 30-something man taking up with a 14-year old girl) who will vote for him regardless. That said, Jones is running a solid, if not a gangbusters campaign, and if the Virginia vote mobilizes a moribund Alabama Democratic party…Jones is still a long shot, but not as long as it used to be. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-democrats-win-the-alabama-senate-special-election-in-december/793504.md?page=16)