A Republican state representative lashed out at Roy Moore’s accusers Thursday, suggesting prosecution of the woman who said the U.S. Senate candidate initiated a sexual encounter with her when she was 14 and claims by four other women that he pursued romantic relationships with them when they were teenagers decades ago.

State Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle, said he suspects the timing of the stories told by five women about Moore’s advances 40 years ago, as reported by The Washington Post, are politically motivated as the Dec. 12 special election nears. Moore will face Democrat Doug Jones, a former U.S. attorney.

Henry said he believes legal action should be considered against Moore’s accusers, finding their story unbelievable.

“If they believe this man is predatory, they are guilty of allowing him to exist for 40 years. I think someone should prosecute and go after them. You can’t be a victim 40 years later, in my opinion,” Henry said.

And Henry was dismissive of the idea that Moore should back out of the race.

“The idea that accusations like this would stop his campaign is ludicrous. If this was a habit, like you’ve read with Bill Cosby and millions of dollars paid to settle cases and years of witnesses, that would be one thing,” Henry said. “You cannot tell me there hasn’t been an opportunity through the years to make these accusations with as many times as he’s (Moore) run (for office) and been in the news.

The Alabama lawmaker said Moore is a threat to “establishment” lawmakers on the national level, including in the Republican Party.

“(Senate Majority Leader Mitch) McConnell and (Arizona Sen.) John McCain, what they said about Moore ending his campaign just really gets to me. They are two of the biggest goobers we have in Washington D.C.,” Henry said. “Even (U.S. Sen. Richard) Shelby was a coward with his comments. He’s not going to like Roy Moore because Shelby was a Democrat for a long time. Everyone close to the establishment is going to love this.”

Henry said he believes Moore’s accusers have been stoked by the Democratic Party and may be paid money eventually for their actions.

“I’m not buying it,” Henry said. “It’s too easy for someone to make these accusations. It’s foolish to go down that road, it’s like what if a frog had wings, he wouldn’t bump his ass every time he jumps.”

The winner of the Dec. 12 election will fill the seat vacated by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The Senate seat is currently held by Sen. Luther Strange, who was appointed to the position by former Gov. Robert Bentley. Strange lost to Moore in the Republican primary runoff.

Palmer is the editor of The Cullman Times in Alabama.