Sen. Orrin Hatch, who approved of President Donald Trump's endorsement of Roy Moore for Senate, now says he's "deeply disturbed" by the sexual allegations made against the Alabama judge.
On Monday, the Utah Republican told The Salt Lake Tribune, "I don't think [the president] had any choice but to do that. He needs every Republican he can get, so he can put his agenda through. So that's the only possible Republican you can get down there."
But on Wednesday during a town hall appearance, Hatch backtracked, saying he wanted to be "very clear from the outset" that he hasn't endorsed Moore, who's been hit with allegations he dated girls as young as 14 when he was in his 30s.
"I do not intend to, and I believe the allegations against him are incredibly serious," Hatch said, adding he is "deeply disturbed by the accusations . . . I was one of the first in the Senate to urge Roy Moore to step aside and to urge Alabamians to consider an alternative."
"But I've also said that in the end, the decision is in the hands of the people of Alabama. Now, that being said, serving in the Senate is a privilege, and here, we hold our members to the highest ethical standards. And I expect any of my colleagues to adhere to those standards."