Donald Trump has given his explicit backing for Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race – because he says he needs his vote.
At the same time the US President criticised Democrats who did not vote for the Republican tax reform bill.
Republicans control both the House and Senate.
A White House official told the Associated Press last week that Mr Trump would not campaign for Mr Moore in person.
Mr Trump tweeted: “Democrats refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican Roy Moore to win in Alabama. We need his vote on stopping crime, illegal immigration, Border Wall, Military, Pro Life, V.A., Judges 2nd Amendment and more. No to Jones, a Pelosi/Schumer Puppet!”
Mr Moore has been accused by multiple women of pursuing them when they were teenagers and he was in his 30s. One woman said she was only 14 years old when he initiated sexual contact with her.
He has denied the accusations and blamed them on “socialists” and LGBT people.
At a campaign rally at Magnolia Springs Baptist Church in Alabama last week, Mr Moore boasted he was still leading in the race, despite the fact that “they” had pulled out all the stops to thwart him.
“When I say they, who are ‘they?’” he asked the congregation. “They’re liberals. They don’t hold conservative values. They are the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender who want to change our culture. They are socialists who want to change our way of life and put man above God, and the government is our God.”
In a subsequent tweet, Mr Trump said: “Putting Pelosi/Schumer Liberal Puppet Jones into office in Alabama would hurt our great Republican Agenda of low on taxes, tough on crime, strong on military and borders...& so much more. Look at your 401-k’s since Election. Highest Stock Market EVER! Jobs are roaring back!”
Republicans hold the majority – 52 seats out of 100 – in the Senate.
Mr Trump addressed the accusations against Mr Moore on 21 November. ”He totally denies it,” he said then, telling reporters: “You have to listen to him, also.”
The President is due to hold a campaign-style rally in Pensacola, Florida, four days before the vote which takes place on 12 December. Pensacola is less than 20 miles over the border from Alabama.
