Alaska Governor Launches Criminal Probe into Peltola Campaign
Investigation targets alleged scheme to recruit 'spoiler' candidate in tight Senate race.
Sarah Connor
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announced a criminal investigation into Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola's campaign.
The ballot lists two candidates named Dan Sullivan: Dan S Sullivan, the incumbent Republican senator, and Daniel J Sullivan Jr.
Former Peltola staffers and campaign documents detail the alleged scheme. Peltola's campaign staff and senior aides in the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) reportedly hatched a plan to encourage other people named Dan Sullivan to run.
This scheme formed part of a broader effort. It aimed to encourage other would-be "spoiler" candidates to enter the race and dilute the sitting Republican senator's support.
Text messages and interviews with 12 individuals underpin the claims. These individuals either participated in, knew of the plan, or were potential candidates the team tried to recruit.
Peltola's campaign denies involvement. They reject soliciting a candidate named Dan Sullivan to run against the incumbent.
Mary got in this race because Alaskans deserve a champion who is fighting to lower their costs and put Alaska first, and no tweet or threat from any DC politician will keep her away from that fight.
Chief Judge Sharon Gleason of the US District Court in Alaska fast-tracked the case. The Peltola campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) asked to join the proceedings.
The administration dropped its objection to the DSCC joining. It cited the detailed report on the alleged scheme.
Alaska's midterm election stands as one of the tightest races. Analysts consider it crucial in deciding which party controls Congress. Americans head to the polls across the country on Tuesday.
Gerald Heikes also appears on the ballot as a Republican candidate. A political action committee, Alaska Values, provided over $2 million in advertising support for Heikes's campaign.
An Alaskans for Mary spokesperson stated, "Mary got in this race because Alaskans deserve a champion who is fighting to lower their costs and put Alaska first, and no tweet or threat from any DC politician will keep her away from that fight."
Mary Peltola recently paused campaigning activities. She sustained minor injuries in a car crash.