Alabama's Senior Senator said he will not vote for Republican Roy Moore in next month's special election. That doesn't mean he will be voting for his Democratic challenger, however.

"I'll vote Republican, but I will probably write in a good candidate," Shelby told The Hill on his plans for the Dec. 12 election.

Shelby previously called on Moore to "seriously consider" dropping out after allegations arose he had improper sexual contact with two teenage girls in the 1970s when he was in his 30s. Moore has denied the allegations and said he plans to stay in the race.

On Wednesday, Shelby said he wished Alabamians had an alternative in the race.

"Well it's not a good situation. I wish we had another candidate," Shelby said, adding he thought Attorney General Jeff Sessions - whose seat Moore hopes to fill- would be an "ideal candidate." Shelby had earlier suggested a write-in campaign for former Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, who was appointed to fill Sessions' Senate term but lost in the runoff to Moore.

State Republican Chair Terry Lathan previously warned current elected GOP officials or candidates from endorsing another party's candidate or supporting a write-in effort.

"It would be a serious error for any current elected GOP official or candidate to publicly endorse another party's candidate, an independent, a third party or a write in candidate in a general election as well," Lathan said. "I have heard of no GOP elected official or candidate that is even considering this option."

According to Lathan, a Republican office holder publicly that participates in the Democratic primary or publicly supports the nominee of another party can be denied ballot access for up to six years.

Shelby was elected to his sixth term in the U.S. Senate last year. His term expires in 2022.