US launches criminal, civil investigations into alleged election interference in Alaska Senate race

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US Justice Department is pursuing parallel criminal and civil investigations into allegations of an effort to manipulate the Alaska Senate race by recruiting a candidate with a name similar to that of Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan, US Attorney for the District of Alaska Michael Heyman said Friday.

Speaking at a news conference, Heyman said law enforcement agencies across the country were taking investigative steps following reports of an alleged effort involving Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).

The New York Times reported that Democratic operatives allegedly worked to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher whose name resembles the Republican senator, to draw votes from the incumbent.

“What we've learned recently has been deeply troubling, both from a larger perspective and me as a resident of Alaska,” said Heyman. “Every Alaskan deserves a fair election, and they're going to get one.”

Heyman said anyone found to have illegally deceived voters or interfered with the election would be held accountable.

He said the Justice Department takes allegations of voter corruption and interference with election integrity "seriously" and would pursue credible information.

Heyman also announced that the government would file a motion for a preliminary injunction in an ongoing civil case, seeking expedited discovery by Monday into issues raised in the complaint.

He said the criminal and civil investigations were continuing.

The dispute has drawn increased attention ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, with Alaska emerging as a closely watched Senate race.

Diyar Güldoğan