Annapolis, MD — As Alabama voters head to the polls today to choose either alleged child molester Roy Moore (R) or civil rights attorney Doug Jones (D) to serve as their next United States Senator, Marylanders are left wondering why Governor Larry Hogan has not followed the lead of his Republican colleagues who have not only condemned Moore’s actions, but have supported Doug Jones and have urged Alabama voters to do the same.
Yesterday, Republican Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts expressed his support of Doug Jones’ candidacy for Senate and last week, Republican Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona donated to Roy Moore’s campaign and tweeted, “country over party.”
“As the allegations against Roy Moore have increased in number and become more heinous, Republican Leaders like Jeff Flake, Charlie Baker and others are supporting Democrat Doug Jones to keep Roy Moore out of the U.S. Senate,” said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Matthews. “Unfortunately, Republicans in Maryland have not only refused to take a moral stand, they have financially supported Moore and his vile views. Maryland voters are left wondering why Governor Hogan has not followed the lead of his Republican colleagues who have endorsed Doug Jones in Alabama.”
Yesterday, photos of prominent Maryland Republicans at a Roy Moore fundraiser were revealed by the Arundel Patriot. Moore was seen with Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh, State Senator Edward Reilly and Hogan-appointed 5th Circuit Judge Mark Crooks. Crooks previously served as Hogan’s legal counsel.
According to press reports, Republican Anne Arundel County Councilman Michael Peroutka has been one of Moore’s biggest donors since the early 2000s—donating at least $622,000 to Moore’s campaigns since 2004. Peroutka was a member of the white supremacist group, the League of the South, until weeks before the 2014 general election, and remains a financial backer of Maryland Republicans. Last week, the Anne Arundel County Council called for Peroutka’s resignation over his continued support for Moore.
Moore has been linked to the white supremacist groups. In 2005, a foundation operated by Moore accepted a $1,000 donation from white supremacist group, Foundation to Defend the First Amendment. In 1995, Moore addressed the white supremacist group, the Council for Conservative Citizens (CCC), which was cited in Dylann Roof’s racist manifesto. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, CCC is the nation’s largest white supremacist group.