A new report from The New York Times is raising serious questions about an alleged Democratic campaign strategy in Alaska, where former Rep. Mary Peltola is competing against Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan in a high-stakes Senate race that could help determine control of Congress’s upper chamber.
The investigation alleges that people connected to Peltola’s campaign participated in efforts to recruit additional candidates, including a man who shares the incumbent senator’s name. The apparent goal, according to the report, was to divide Republican support and improve the Democrat’s chances of winning.
Peltola’s campaign has rejected accusations that it helped bring potential spoiler candidates into the race. However, accounts from a former senior campaign aide and materials reviewed by the newspaper have fueled new scrutiny of the operation.
The contest features four candidates: Peltola, Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan, retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan, and independent challenger Gerald Heikes. With two candidates bearing the same name, the unusual ballot has become a central focus of the controversy.
