Alaska Senate candidate denies knowing about alleged plot to put two Dan Sullivans on ballot

What the report says

Democratic Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola has denied any knowledge of an alleged effort to put another candidate with the same name as incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan on the ballot. Speaking to voters on Thursday, Peltola said she did not know of any candidate other than herself and the sitting senator, and said she was not trying to mislead voters.

The BBC reports that the dispute comes amid a fast-moving political and legal response. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has ordered an official inquiry, while the Trump administration has escalated a federal investigation into the matter. According to the article, the Department of Justice has begun issuing subpoenas to Democratic officials allegedly linked to the effort, though no charges have been filed.

The controversy stems from reporting by The New York Times that alleged people connected to Peltola’s campaign, and senior aides at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, tried to recruit Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, to enter the race. The BBC says it has not independently verified that report. Peltola’s campaign and Dan J Sullivan have both denied ties to the effort.

The Alaska Senate contest is closely watched because it is seen as one of the tightest races in the upcoming US midterm elections, which will help determine control of Congress. The Cook Political Report currently rates the seat as a toss-up.