Roy Moore has a new challenger

Alabama voters who find themselves unable to vote for Senate candidate Roy Moore given the credible sexual assault allegations against him — and unwilling to vote for Doug Jones, his Democratic opponent — will now have a third option. Ret. Marine Col. Lee Busby of Tuscaloosa is entering the race as an independent candidate running a write-in campaign. Busby announced his plans in a Washington Post interview Monday, just 15 days before the special election.

Despite the short notice, Busby believes he has a real shot. "I think you can flip this thing," he told the Post. "If this were a military operation, the left flank and the right flank are heavily guarded. I think that gives you an opportunity to run straight up the middle."

Politically, Busby is generally conservative. His primary choice in 2016 was Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), and he is pro-life in the abortion debate while allowing exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and maternal safety. Intriguingly, his military history includes serving as vice chief of staff to current White House Chief of Staff John Kelly when both were in the Marines. So far, Busby said, he has not discussed his campaign with Kelly, but he believes that conversation will happen if his candidacy has legs.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up