Trump Congratulates Jones; Moore Won't Concede

Moore says they need to 'wait on God and let this whole process play out'
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 13, 2017 12:00 AM CST
Updated Dec 13, 2017 1:21 AM CST
Trump Congratulates Jones; Moore Won't Concede
Democrat Doug Jones waves to supporters Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, in Birmingham, Ala.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

President Trump congratulated Democrat Doug Jones on winning the Senate election in Alabama Tuesday night—but that wasn't a step Roy Moore was willing to take. After the race was called for Jones, the Republican refused to concede, saying he believed the margin of victory could fall below the 0.5% needed to trigger a recount, the Washington Post reports. "Realize that when the vote is this close that it’s not over," he said. "We also know that God is always in control." He told supporters they need to "wait on God and let this whole process play out." The AP reports that with all precincts reporting, Jones has a lead of 1.5%, but counties will be required to tally all write-in votes if authorities determine they outnumber the difference between Jones and Moore.

"Congratulations to Doug Jones on a hard fought victory," Trump tweeted. "The write-in votes played a very big factor, but a win is a win. The people of Alabama are great, and the Republicans will have another shot at this seat in a very short period of time." At his victory rally, Jones said he was overwhelmed by the upset win and called for national unity. "I have always believed that the people of Alabama have more in common than divides us," he said. "We have shown the country the way that we can be." He urged Senate lawmakers to come together and fund the Children's Health Insurance Program before he is sworn in. The Alabama Republican Party, meanwhile, said it would not support Moore's push for a recount. (More Roy Moore stories.)

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