Justice Department subpoenas issued in Alaska ballot-name controversy
The U.S. Justice Department has issued subpoenas following reports that Mary Peltola’s campaign was involved in recruiting a candidate with the same name as Republican Senator Dan Sullivan to appear on the midterm ballot.
The Justice Department on Thursday issued subpoenas after ABC News reported that Mary Peltola’s campaign worked with party operatives to place a challenger sharing the name of Republican Senator Dan Sullivan on the Alaska midterm ballot. The subpoenas were issued in response to a New York Times investigation that said the effort to recruit a second Dan Sullivan was coordinated by Peltola’s campaign, which had previously denied any involvement.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announced a criminal inquiry into the matter, noting that the strategy appeared designed to create confusion among voters who intended to support the incumbent senator.
"We are investigating any actions that may have misled voters," Dunleavy said.
The investigation comes as the Senate race, scheduled for Tuesday, draws heightened scrutiny over ballot-listing practices.