Mike Pence vouches for Strange in Birmingham: 'Big Luther's making a big difference in Washington'

In a last-ditch effort to pull Sen. Luther Strange over the finish line in Alabama's special election runoff, Vice President Mike Pence rallied on behalf of the Republican candidate in Birmingham, connecting Strange's work in the Senate to President Donald Trump's agenda.

"Our president needs Luther Strange back in the United States Senate so he can finish the job," Pence told a crowd of about 450 people at the HealthSouth Aviation hangar at the Birmingham airport. "I know Sen. Luther Strange will be there for our president, because he's already been there."

Strange, the incumbent, is facing a tough election against former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who has led wire-to-wire in the polls.

The assist from the vice president came after Strange was buoyed Friday from a rally with Trump in Huntsville. Pence said Strange was the best candidate to continue the legacy of former Sen. Jeff Sessions, who left the post to join the Trump administration as attorney general.

While Trump took digs at Moore in Huntsville - saying the former judge would have a tough time defeating Democratic candidate Doug Jones in the December general election, Pence was more reserved.

"We're not here because we're against anybody ....I and Donald trump are here because we are for Luther Strange," the vice president said.

"Big Luther's been making a big difference in Washington, D.C., and he's just getting started," Pence added. "And when you look at what President Trump has accomplished, you'll see Sen. Strange has been there every step of the way."

But Pence didn't totally stray from controversy - he told the crowd he supported Trump's divisive comments from Friday in Huntsville that NFL players should not disrespect the flag by kneeling during the national anthem in protest.

"I always stand with Donald Trump and I will always stand for our national anthem," Pence said.

"I don't think it's too much to ask the players in our National Football League to stand for our national anthem, and I think the people of Alabama would agree," calling the Yellowhammer State "one of the most patriotic states in our country."

Strange was upbeat as he addressed the crowd, predicting Election Day will go his way tomorrow.

"Twenty-four hours from now, we're going to be celebrating progress for the state of Alabama and for the United States," he said.

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