Students have mixed reactions following last week’s runoff election for the Senate Republican Primary. Appointed incumbent Luther Strange lost to former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore. The nomination of Moore as the Republican candidate shocked many, as he was largely outspent and Strange also secured the support of President Donald Trump. Moore represents a far-right conservative brand of the Republican Party and has increased his political clout in one of the most conservative states in the union, impressing some students.
“He has proven his effectiveness, and he will fight for the interest and values of everyday Alabamians,” said Cameron Mixon, president of UA’s Young Conservatives.
The nomination of Moore received nationwide attention and stewed up conversation from both sides of the aisle. Some believe, if elected, he may cause issues for the Republican establishment in D.C., while Democrats believe Alabama would only stand to lose with the election of Moore.
“If elected, Roy Moore would arguably be the farthest right senator in the chamber, and he would undoubtedly embarrass our state,” said Nicholas Osborn, member of UA College Democrats.
Moore, who has now been suspended from the bench twice, has raised concerns from people across campus and the state due to the nature of these incidences. Back in 2003, Moore was suspended from the bench due to his protest of the removal of a Ten Commandments monument from the Alabama Supreme Court chambers, arguing that the monument should be made larger. In 2016, then Chief Justice Moore was suspended from the bench again, largely based on his refusal to uphold same-sex marriage licenses. In both instances, Moore vowed to fight the charges.
Some students say they are concerned with how he will represent their interests in the Senate. As someone who has been suspended from the bench for refusal to uphold marriage licenses, this concerns some on whether he will represent all his constituents fairly.
“He has made no statements in support of an increase in funding for our university or relief for students loans,” Osborn said. “He has however shown that his ideals on freedom of speech and religion only apply to people he agrees with.”
Mixon feels strongly otherwise, thinking that Moore will work for students and be able to financially benefit students with a solid job market.
“Judge Moore will fight to restore economic growth that will promote jobs that recent college graduates will greatly benefit from,” Mixon said. “The people of Alabama will be proud to have a People’s Senator who will fight for Main Street, not for Wall Street.”
The special election for senator was scheduled by Governor Kay Ivey for Dec. 12, after previously being scheduled well into 2018 by former Governor Robert Bentley. Running against Moore is attorney and Democratic candidate Doug Jones, who has made significant progress throughout his campaign.
