Sen.-elect Doug Jones insisted Sunday that he will break with Democrats and vote with Senate Republicans whenever he thinks it’s in the best interest of the people of Alabama.
Asked if he would need to consider voting with the GOP on some issues in order to represent his constituents in the deep red state, Mr. Jones replied, “Of course I do.”
“One of the problems in American politics right now in my opinion is that everybody thinks because you’re a member of one party or another you’re going to vote a certain way, and that should not be the case, shouldn’t ever be the case,” Mr. Jones said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Mr. Jones’ comments came after his narrow victory Tuesday over Republican Roy Moore, who was dogged by sexual-misconduct allegations.
Alabama Sen.-elect Doug Jones on if he considers voting with Republicans on certain issues: “Of course I do” #CNNSOTU https://t.co/7I9vphoAhr
— CNN (@CNN) December 17, 2017
Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner, who heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, refused to endorse or aid Mr. Moore during the campaign, but urged Mr. Jones after his win to “do the right thing and truly represent the people of Alabama by voting with the Senate Republican majority.”
Mr. Jones said he would study all sides of the issues, adding, “I don’t think anybody should be able to count on my vote for anything.”
His victory over Mr. Moore, who has not formally conceded, shaved the GOP’s Senate majority to just 51 seats.
“I’m going to talk to people on both sides of the aisle, try to figure out what I think is in the best interest of my state and in the country,” Mr. Jones said. “Don’t expect me to vote solidly for the Republicans or Democrats.”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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