Watch: Doug Jones Makes GOP Sen Richard Shelby’s Write-in Vote Pledge an Attack on Roy Moore

Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Doug Jones has a new advertisement attacking his Republican opponent Roy Moore on the basis that Moore was unable to earn the vote of fellow Republican Sen. Richard Shelby.

The ad, entitled “Shelby,” described Moore as having conduct “so disturbing” that it prevented Shelby from voting for him.

Transcript as follows:

Roy Moore, think about it — Moore has already been removed from office twice. His grandstanding and divisiveness will only make Washington worse. His controversial and extreme views — bad for Alabama business. His conduct so disturbing, Senator Shelby will not vote for him.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SHELBY: It is incumbent upon me to vote Republican but to write in some distinguished person’s name rather than Judge Moore. I will not be voting for Judge Moore.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Shelby’s decision to publicly state he wasn’t voting for Moore has raised questions about Shelby’s standing in the Alabama Republican Party. Although Shelby will not be up for reelection until 2022, given party rules, some speculate Shelby may have violated his loyalty pledge to the GOP and jeopardized his ability to run for the Republican nod if he runs for reelection.

In a statement last week, party chairwoman Terry Lathan expressed her skepticism but also said such a challenge to Shelby’s ballot access would be taken “very seriously.”

Follow Jeff Poor on Twitter @jeff_poor