WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, has called on Roy Moore to step aside in the Alabama special election.

Moore is running as a Republican against Democrat Doug Jones to fill the seat formerly held by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Portman appeared on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, and was asked about the assault allegations against Moore that have surfaced since he won his party’s nomination.

Todd brought up the support Moore has received from President Donald Trump.

“Do you agree with the president that it is better if Alabamians elect somebody who’s been accused of being a child molester over a Democrat simply due to ideology?” Todd asked Portman.

Portman replied that it would “be better for the country” if Moore dropped out of the race.

Todd asked Portman, who endorsed Moore’s primary opponent Luther Strange,  what he would do, if he were a voter in Alabama.

“Well I’d probably vote for a Republican, but it wouldn‘t be Roy Moore,” Portman said.

Portman also called on swift ethics investigations for Democrats Al Franken and John Conyers, who have been the subject of sexual misconduct allegations.