Alaska Senate debate sees Republican candidate glance at opponent's response before answering
During a televised debate, Sen. Dan Sullivan appeared to look at Democratic candidate Mary Peltola's paddle before giving his own answer to a question on fisheries policy.
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) was observed briefly looking at Democratic candidate Mary Peltola’s response before raising his own paddle during a Saturday debate. The moderators asked whether the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries adequately consider impacts on subsistence users, salmon migration, habitat, and Indigenous ways of life. Peltola immediately held up a "NO" paddle. Sullivan, who was reviewing his notes, was prompted by the moderators and responded after a quick glance at Peltola’s paddle, also holding up a "NO" paddle, which drew laughter from the audience.
After the debate, Peltola posted on social media that Alaskans deserve a senator who knows where they stand. The race is viewed as competitive, with recent polls showing Peltola holding a slight lead, though Alaska has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 2008.