Trump pushes DOJ to widen Alaska Senate race probe as subpoenas sweep up campaigns
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President Donald Trump pressed the Justice Department to intensify its investigation into the Alaska Senate contest after more than three dozen subpoenas and document-preservation demands were sent to the campaigns of Mary Peltola and Dan J. Sullivan.
President Donald Trump has pressed the Justice Department to escalate its inquiry into the tightly contested Alaska Senate race, turning a fraught election dispute into yet another arena for federal intervention. The department has already issued more than three dozen subpoenas and document-preservation requests to the campaign offices of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola and Republican-aligned candidate Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher who was recruited to run for the seat held by Sen. Dan S. Sullivan.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announced an independent investigation of Peltola’s campaign, which denies any involvement in the recruitment effort. The DOJ opened a criminal investigation in July, focusing on possible violations of federal election-law provisions that protect the right to free and fair elections. Trump also directed the department to file a civil suit aimed at preventing the state from certifying the election results.
"The investigation is essential to ensure the integrity of our elections," the president said in a statement.
The Alaska race is viewed as pivotal for control of the U.S. Senate, with the outcome expected to influence the balance of power in Washington.