Doug Jones Distances Himself From Roy Moore Accusations

BIRMINGHAM, AL — As his opponent is engulfed in a growing sexual misconduct scandal, Democratic Senate candidate Doug Jones said he's not the source of the emerging charges against Republican Roy Moore.

Asked after a campaign stop in Birmingham Tuesday whether his campaign was in touch with Moore's alleged victims, Jones said, "I'm tired of people blaming this campaign."

Moore and his campaign have said allegations, which include sexual assault and the molestation of a 14 -year-old girl, are completely false and politically driven attacks.

Jones says he has not heard from the women who claim misconduct and has "not reached out to them." He said anything suggesting otherwise is "absolutely absurd and consistent with a pattern of absurd comments coming from both Roy Moore and his campaign."

Jones largely downplayed the allegations of misconduct against Moore during a brief press conference.

He said he'd continue to focus on issues important to Alabama voters and "let that play out over there."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has spoken to both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in recent days about the Alabama Senate race and the allegations against GOP candidate Roy Moore.

That's the word from two Washington Republicans who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to publicly discuss the conversations.

Senate Republicans, led by McConnell, have called on Moore to step aside, but he has dug in. The GOP is relying on Trump, hoping he can have some sway with Alabama Republicans. The president was returning from his Asia trip on Tuesday.

Both Washington Republicans say White House officials share the GOP concerns about Moore, who faces allegations of sexual misconduct, and holding onto the Senate seat.

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson