Roy Moore makes nice with Senate Republicans he railed against in campaign

WASHINGTON — Despite railing against the Republican establishment during his primary campaign, Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore came to Washington on Tuesday to address the GOP senators he hopes will be his future colleagues.

Moore spoke briefly to Republican senators at their weekly policy lunch in the U.S. Capitol.

“He spoke about how he was glad to be here,’’ said Sen. Richard Shelby, the senior Republican from Alabama. “He was very professional.’’

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, introduced Moore, who said a few words, according to senators.

Moore, a former Alabama chief justice, defeated incumbent Sen. Luther Strange last month for the state’s Republican nomination. Moore will face off Dec. 12 against Democrat Doug Jones.

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Moore has criticized the Republican establishment, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. McConnell’s Senate Leadership Fund Political Action Committee spent millions to back Strange in the primary.

“McConnell won’t manage me,” Moore has said. “No one will manage me when I go to Washington. I will do what the law provides. I will vote accordingly.”

Just weeks ago, President Trump and Vice President Pence campaigned for Strange in Alabama. Pence was also at Tuesday's luncheon to rally senators to support tax reform.

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But the campaign history seemed to be put aside as most Republicans welcomed Moore.

Moore plans to meet with Shelby on Wednesday. Shelby backed Strange, his longtime friend, in the race.

“Oh yeah. I support him," Shelby said of Moore. “He’s the nominee. I’m a Republican. I support the party."

“I got one thing on my mind — increasing our majority,’’ said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. “And I have every expectation that Judge Moore will be a productive member of the United States Senate and a productive member of the Republican caucus. I truly believe that."

Some Republicans were more reserved. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said he will examine Moore’s record as he does every nominee.

“I respect the voters,'' he said. "I may not agree with many of the things that he’s said, but the people of Alabama have made their choice.”  

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., criticized Moore in a speech on the Senate floor Tuesday about religious tests having no place in the Congress. Flake — who has announced his retirement — said it was wrong that Moore had said a Muslim should not serve in Congress.

“That this same judge is now my party’s nominee from the state of Alabama should concern us all," he said.

Contributing: Eliza Collins, Jessica Estepa and Brian Lyman