The Latest: Campaign says Trump records robocall for Strange

Associated Press
FILE - In this July 11, 2017, file photo, Sen. Luther Strange, R-Ala. responds to questions during a TV news interview on Capitol Hill in Washington. In the Alabama race for Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ former Senate seat, the Republican slugfest primary is about love of all things Trump, with contenders openly wooing Trump voters, and hatred of the so-called swamp of Washington D.C. Sen. Strange, who was appointed to the position in February, is trying to fight off a field of firebrand challengers, including U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks and former chief justice Roy Moore in the GOP primary. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Latest on the Alabama Senate race (all times local):

1:15 p.m.

The campaign of Sen. Luther Strange says President Donald Trump has recorded robocalls urging Alabama Republicans to vote for Strange in Tuesday's contentious GOP primary.

Strange's campaign says Trump tells voters to "go to the polls and vote for Luther Strange." Trump says his administration is accomplishing many of his promises "but I need Luther to help us out."

Strange's campaign announced the calls on Monday.

Strange was appointed in February and is attempting to keep the U.S. Senate seat that previously belonged to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Strange has been forced into a tight primary battle with a slate of firebrand challengers including former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

The Strange campaign paid to send Trump's recorded message to more than 150,000 GOP households.

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11:30 a.m.

U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks says voters can send a "huge message" to the U.S. Senate establishment by defeating the candidate backed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Brooks on Monday did a blitz of campaign stops and media interviews to rally votes ahead of Tuesday's Republican primary.

He is challenging Sen. Luther Strange. Strange is backed by a super political action committee tied to McConnell.

Brooks said it would send "chills down the spine" of McConnell for the race to end up in a runoff between him and Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore.

Brooks said he is the candidate with the strongest voting record in support of President Donald Trump's agenda. Brooks said he, unlike Strange, supports Trump's request to change Senate filibuster rules that make it easier for Democrats to defeat legislation.

7:51 a.m.

President Donald Trump has tweeted out more support for Alabama Sen. Luther Strange ahead of Tuesday's contentious Republican primary.

Strange, who was appointed in February, is attempting to keep the U.S. Senate seat that previously belonged to Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Trump on Monday morning tweeted Strange has his endorsement and is "strong on Border & Wall, the military, tax cuts & law enforcement."

The message followed a tweeted endorsement by Trump last week in an attempt to boost Strange in what could be a close race.

Strange faces a slate of challengers in the GOP primary, including former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, state Sen. Trip Pittman and Christian Coalition leader Randy Brinson.