Peltola Aides, DSCC Recruited 2nd Dan Sullivan in Alaska Race as DOJ Seeks Nov. 3 Block
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Oct 28
Peltola Aides, DSCC Recruited 2nd Dan Sullivan in Alaska Race as DOJ Seeks Nov. 3 Block
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Oct 28
Summary
The New York Times reported that aides tied to Mary Peltola and senior DSCC staff helped recruit Daniel J. Sullivan into Alaska’s Senate race to siphon votes from incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan.
Texts, interviews and draft legal documents reviewed by the Times described a broader effort to coax other spoiler candidates onto the ballot, with former campaign manager Elisa Rios saying Peltola was not directly involved but was “definitely aware.”
Peltola’s campaign and the DSCC denied involvement, while Rios later tried to retract her comments; the Times said her interviews matched its other reporting.
The report lands days after the Justice Department sued to block certification of any result affected by voter confusion, and Judge Sharon Gleason has fast-tracked the case ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Alaska officials argue the federal government lacks authority to intervene and say ranked-choice voting and ballot labels distinguishing “Sullivan, Daniel J. Jr.” from the incumbent reduce confusion in a race that could decide Senate control.