Roy Moore Defeats GOP Establishment in Alabama US Senate Race

Right-wing populist Southern Christian candidate and former judge Roy Moore defeated US Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, the endorsement of a popular (in Alabama, at least) sitting US president and $10 million dollars in advertising against him to win the GOP run-off for a US senate seat in the Heart of Dixie. Judge Moore won with 55% of the vote, CNN says. It is a breath-taking victory against the establishment. Politico reports:

Roy S. Moore, a firebrand former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, overcame efforts by top Republicans to rescue his rival, Senator Luther Strange, soundly defeating him on Tuesday in a special primary runoff.

The outcome in the closely watched Senate race dealt a humbling blow to President Trump and other party leaders days after the president pleaded with voters in the state to back Mr. Strange.

Propelled by the stalwart support of his fellow evangelical Christians, Mr. Moore survived an advertising onslaught of more than $10 million financed by allies of Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader. His victory demonstrated in stark terms the limits of Mr. Trump’s clout.

Taking the stage after a solo rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” an exultant Mr. Moore said he had “never prayed to win this campaign,” only putting his political fate “in the hands of the Almighty.”

Moore has endorsed using the US military to stop illegal immigration. As Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court he was suspended for instructing judges to defy Federal orders mandating homosexual marriage.