Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola Denies Knowledge of Spoiler Candidate Scheme

Federal prosecutors in Alaska confirmed the existence of criminal and civil investigations into an alleged Democratic effort to recruit a spoiler candidate with the same name as the Republican incumbent, US Senator Dan Sullivan. Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola has denied any prior knowledge of the alleged scheme.

Speaking in Anchorage on Friday, US Attorney Michael Heyman cited reporting by the New York Times regarding the alleged recruitment of Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired schoolteacher, to appear on the ballot alongside incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan and Peltola. Heyman stated that law enforcement agencies are taking investigative steps.

Investigation and Legal Actions

• Federal Inquiries: The US Department of Justice asked a federal judge to segregate ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. to examine potential voter confusion.
• Preliminary Injunction: The DOJ also requested an injunction to block Alaska from certifying its Senate election result if the incumbent loses to Peltola due to the challenger's presence on the ballot.
• Subpoenas Issued: A person familiar with the matter reported that subpoenas and records preservation demands were issued following the initial media reports.

Candidate and Official Responses

• Peltola's Denial: Addressing supporters in Juneau on Thursday, Peltola stated she knew nothing about any other candidate on the ballot except herself and the incumbent, adding that she is not interested in tricking voters.
• Governor's Announcement: Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announced plans for a separate state criminal investigation, citing evidence of an organized effort to manipulate elections.
• Republican Condemnations: Republicans have criticized the inclusion of two candidates named Dan Sullivan as an alleged plot to split the GOP vote.

Practical Implications

The Senate race in Alaska remains a key contest in upcoming midterm elections, with control of the Senate at stake. Voters and observers can verify official developments through statements released by the US Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska, the Department of Justice, and filings in federal court.