Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said today she plans to vote for Roy Moore in the Dec. 12 election for the U.S. Senate despite allegations of Moore's sexual encounters with teenage girls about 40 years ago, which Moore has adamantly denied.
Ivey, answering questions from reporters after the traditional Thanksgiving turkey pardon event at the governor's mansion, said protecting the Republican majority in the Senate was a major factor.
"I'm going to cast my ballot on December the 12th, and I do believe the nominee of the party is the one I'll vote for," Ivey said. "I believe in the Republican Party, what we stand for, and most important, we need to have a Republican in the United States Senate to vote on things like the Supreme Court justices, other appointments the Senate has to confirm and make major decisions. So that's what I plan to do, vote for Republican nominee Roy Moore."
Earlier this week, Ivey had said she would "hold judgment until we get more of the facts" concerning a vote for Moore.
Ivey said today she was bothered by the allegations against Moore, but had to weigh all the available information. She was asked if she believed Moore's accusers.
"I certainly have no reason to disbelieve any of them," Ivey said. "The timing is a little curious. But at the same time, I have no reason to disbelieve them."
Ivey was asked, given her statement that she did not have a reason to disbelieve the women, how the accusations made her feel as a woman.
"There's never an excuse for or rationale for sexual misconduct or sexual abuse," Ivey said. "It bothers me."
Ivey said that concern was a factor in her decision.
"Consider all the information that you have," Ivey said. "Certainly, it has an impact. But at the same time, the United States Senate needs to have in my opinion, a majority of Republican votes to carry the day and when they have to consider other major decisions. So that's a factor, as well."
On Thursday, the state Republican Party issued a statement that it was standing by Moore as its nominee. The party could have opted to disqualify Moore, although it was too late to replace him on the ballot or as its nominee.
Ivey said the state party made the right decision.
Click here for AL.com's coverage of Roy Moore.