Moore, Wess Split on Costs, Health Care and Trump

TL;DR: Barry Moore says spending restraint and his voting record make him the right choice for Senate. Everett Wess wants a shift from Trump’s policies, with more focus on consumers and health care.

Republican Barry Moore and Democrat Everett Wess offered sharply different answers on how to ease costs for Alabama families in separate ABC 33/40 interviews recently. Moore defended the Trump administration’s approach to spending. Wess argued that Alabama needs a senator willing to challenge it.

The nominees are seeking the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tommy Tuberville, who is running for Governor. ABC 33/40’s candidate comparison, published Thursday, gives voters a look at their priorities before the Nov. 3 election.

Moore, the U.S. Representative from Alabama‘s first Congressional District, made his voting record the core of his case. In the interview, he argued that voters have more than campaign promises to judge.

“But in reality, I have a record that I can run on that we're very proud of,” Moore said. “I think the people of Alabama know my record, and I think that's why we're in the position we're in today.”

Wess framed his campaign around frustration with the country’s direction and the strain of rising prices.

“Gas prices are high. Grocery prices are high. And I wanted to inspire people. I wanted to inspire people to have hope for a better tomorrow,” he said.

Asked how he would make daily life more affordable, Moore blamed federal spending and the growth of the money supply for eroding buying power. He said the administration is working to curb spending and root out fraud.

Wess tied his answer to foreign policy. He called for ending U.S. involvement in the war and pursuing a war powers resolution. He also accused Moore of following Trump rather than putting consumers first.

“So we need to think about the consumer, the Alabama consumer, and do what's good for the Alabama consumer. And that's where my loyalty will lie, not with the administration,” Wess said.

Health care was central to Wess’s case. He questioned whether temporary federal rural health programs would leave communities with lasting access to hospitals and medical staff.

“But after five years, which is when this plan ends, will there be brick-and-mortar hospitals? Will there be doctors, nurses, and social workers? When people need a hospital, they need a hospital,” he said.

Wess proposed combining rural health services with veterans’ care in rural areas. He argued that shared services could help both groups get treatment closer to home.

On immigration, Wess called for more judges, court staff and temporary immigration judges to speed case decisions. He described that approach as more humane than the administration’s enforcement tactics.

The question of working across party lines drew another clear split.

Wess pledged to put Alabama first, citing roads, broadband and health care. But his answer largely focused on criticism of Moore rather than naming a policy on which he would break with Democrats.

Moore said cooperation does not require abandoning his party.

“Yeah, you don't necessarily have to break with your own party, but you have to find common ground,” he said.

He pointed to his work with Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta on the Stop Secret Spending Act, which President Trump signed into law. Moore also cited a Gold Star family measure signed by President Joe Biden.

On Alabama’s greatest unmet need, Moore emphasized attracting employers and better-paying jobs. Wess focused on access to medical care. Their closing cases followed the same divide: Moore urged voters to judge his record, while Wess promised to put Alabama’s needs ahead of national political loyalties.

ABC33/40’s full coverage may be found at THIS LINK.

Everett Wess’ full interview may be seen on YouTube or below:

Barry Moore’s full interview may be seen on YouTube or below: