U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner on Monday ratcheted up his position on Roy Moore, saying the Alabama Republican with minors should end his U.S. Senate candidacy and that the chamber should kick him out if he stays in and wins.
“I believe the individuals speaking out against Roy Moore spoke with courage and truth, proving he is unfit to serve in the United States Senate and he should not run for office,” Gardner said in a statement. “If he refuses to withdraw and wins, the Senate should vote to expel him, because he does not meet the ethical and moral requirements of the United States Senate.”
Read my latest statement on Alabama’s U.S. Senate special election:
— Cory Gardner (@CoryGardner)
Gardner’s comments follow a similar statement , who also said he believes Moore’s accusers and that Moore should bow out of the U.S. Senate race in Alabama.
Gardner and the Senate Republican fundraising machine he leads have evolved in their position on Moore.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee initially backed Moore’s primary opponent, incumbent U.S. Sen. Luther Strange, but the NRSC later switched to backing Moore, who beat out Strange in late September for the party nomination.
Allegations of sexual misconduct led Gardner to say Moore should leave the race . A day later, Gardner said the NRSC would .
Other Republican lawmakers from Colorado weighed in Monday on Moore’s situation.
U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman: “Roy Moore should do what is in the best interest for the people of Alabama and step down. The overwhelming allegations are in direct conflict not only with the ethical values of the Republican Party, but of anyone who wants to serve in the United States Senate.”
U.S Rep. Ken Buck: “Anybody who commits sexual harassment or assault needs to be punished, and thatap why I believe these allegations should be thoroughly investigated. Both parties deserve due process.”