Jones taunts Roy Moore

Doug Jones taunts Roy Moore to run: 'Let's just do it again'

By BURGESS EVERETT

Sen. Doug Jones is all but daring Roy Moore for a rematch in the Alabama Senate race.

Moore, who was defeated in 2017 amid sexual misconduct allegations, said this year that he believes the election was "stolen" from him by Democrats and a disinformation program on social media. Jones (D-Ala.) said in an interview that the only recourse for that claim is for Moore to run again and win the Republican nomination.

"If he really believes that and if the Republican Party really believes that then they all ought to just step aside, have a press conference with him and let's just do it again," Jones said Tuesday.

Moore has not directly ruled out a run against Jones for the seat previously held by Jeff Sessions, which is up for grabs in 2020. He told Al.com that he's focusing on clearing his name rather than "thinking about the future" and if he decides to run he'll "let it be known."

Moore faced accusations that he groped or molested several women years before he ran for Senate.

Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) is already in the race and Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) is considering entering it. Moore would likely face an enormously difficult task of convincing GOP voters to nominate him again after he ousted appointed Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.) and then lost to Jones.

And Democrats would be giddy to face Moore again in what's sure to be the toughest race for them in the country next year. Jones said he doesn't have a "preferred opponent" but made clear that Moore shouldn't be discounted.

"He makes waves. I think he makes noises. Who knows what he's going to do?" Jones said.