The sexual assault charges against Alabama’s Judge Roy Moore, candidate for the US Senate, are extremely serious and must be considered. However, isn’t Judge Moore “innocent until proven guilty”?

I don’t know Judge Moore, probably don’t know anyone that knows Judge Moore, and doubt if I know anyone from Alabama. But, I want to think I have heard this story before.

A few years ago, there was a black pastor from Milwaukee who was the Republican nominee for Wisconsin’s Secretary of State and doing real well in the campaign until just days before the election when there were similar charges of sexual assault – charges later proved false. That same year, a Republican Assembly candidate was doing well in the polls and then, election-day morning, the top news story was about this candidate’s alleged position on decreasing Social Security benefits. Supporters actually called the candidate and said they couldn’t vote for him now. The fact that he was a candidate for State Assembly and that legislative body has nothing to do with Social Security was inconsequential.

Another consideration on the Judge Moore story is the timing. Why are these stories being surfaced now and not before his election to the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court? Or, why are these stories being surfaced now and not before his second election to the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court? Why now?

While Judge Moore is campaigning for the US Senate, Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has been on trial for corruption, bribery, and fraud. Allegations of prostitution were not allowed to be introduced at trial. Should the same standards apply to a sitting US Senator as those recommended for a senatorial candidate?

Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has been on trial for corruption, bribery, and fraud

If, on the other hand, these allegations against Judge Moore are found to be valid, then he is a disgrace to the legal profession, a disgrace to the citizens of Alabama, and should never, ever be seated as a United States Senator. I certainly don’t know all the legal options but maybe the Governor of Alabama should postpone the election until an investigation can either clear Judge Moore’s name or assure there is enough evidence to press charges and get a guilty verdict.