Can Roy Moore win Alabama Senate race amid sexual misconduct allegations?

WASHINGTON - The problems for Alabama GOP Senate nominee Roy Moore started long ago, but even amid a flurry of sexual misconduct allegations, many voters are still planning to support the former judge.

John Couvillon, founder of Louisiana-based JVC Analytics, tells FOX 5's Jim Lokay the next few days could be the most critical for Moore, who was accused by a fifth woman on Monday of sexual improprieties.

"Roy Moore has to articulate a forceful and compelling defense because as we get into the holiday season, in my experience with December runoffs in Louisiana, it's very difficult to get people to pay attention between that Thanksgiving to Christmas time," he said.

The runoff, set for December 12, pits Moore against Democratic nominee Doug Jones.

When asked if he ever expected this much attention for an Alabama U.S. Senate election, considering the state hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1992 (Richard Shelby, who later switched affiliations and continues to serve as a Republican), Couvillon didn't hesitate.

"Democrats have a plurality lead in the generic ballot question," he said.

Couvillon also said the national Democratic party may end up alienating voters if they opt for a heavy presence in Alabama ahead of the runoff.

"That is one of the things that is a sensitive subject in state like Alabama, outsiders interfering with elections, which could be a benefit to Moore," said Couvillon.