Roy Moore Still Won't Concede, Solicits Donations For Recount

BIRMINGHAM, AL - In one of the most publicized elections Alabama has ever known, Republican Roy Moore lost to Democrat Doug Jones in a close race for U.S. Senate. But those who thought that the Jones victory would make Roy Moore go away were wrong. Much to the chagrin of his opponents and the joy of his supporters, Moore not only has not conceded the election to Jones, but he is also trying to raise money for an official recount. An automatic recount occurs when the margin of victory is 0.5 percent or less. However, Jones won by 1.5 percent, so Moore would have to pay for the recount, which would cost around $1 million.

In an email to supporters over the weekend, Moore wrote, "My campaign team is busy collecting numerous reported cases of voter fraud and irregularities for the Secretary of State’s office.” Moore said he needed another $75,000 to aid in the effort, since his campaign is now out of money. “Time is running out for conservatives to guarantee the integrity of this election.”

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, a Republican who openly supported Moore, said his office has looked into allegations of voter fraud and found nothing of substance in its investigation. Merrill also said provisional ballots will not be counted until December 26 at the earliest, but he has already indicated that the ballots are unlikely to change the result or trigger a recount.

The Alabama Republican Party, President Donald Trump and Senators Richard Shelby and Luther Strange have all conceded the election to Jones, but Moore has opted not to give up his fight. Trump, who had endorsed Moore, called Jones to congratulate him on his win. Trump on Friday said that he believed Moore should concede the race.

The results of Alabama's Senate race will be certified between Dec. 26 and Jan. 3 after counties report their official totals.

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