Daniel Wolfram
A retired teacher sharing the exact name of the sitting GOP Senator could split Republican votes and hand the seat to Democrat Mary Peltola.
A strange legal battle is unfolding in Alaska. If the Republican incumbent loses, federal officials want to stop the certification of the state’s Senate race.
At the center of the dispute sits Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher who shares the current senator’s name.
The Trump administration wants to ensure that a Democrat does not get the swing seat in Alaska that could ultimately determine if the Democratic Party gets the majority in the Senate.
Four candidates, two Sullivans
According to a court complaint obtained by Newsweek, government lawyers claim that “the sole purpose of [Dan J. Sullivan’s] candidacy is to benefit the Peltola campaign by reducing the number of votes for Senator Sullivan.”
Officials fear split conservative votes could hand victory to Democratic challenger Mary Peltola.
President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind the sitting senator, attacking the setup on social media. “Even 1, 2, or 3 percent could make the difference,” Trump wrote. He claimed that “Dan S. Sullivan is leading by a lot, but this is CHEATING in an Election, and the Judge that allowed this to happen should be ashamed of himself.”
The stakes are massive. Surveys consistently show that Peltola has a narrow lead in the polls. With Democrats fighting to gain control of the Senate, a handful of confused voters could settle the entire chamber.
The Republicans are accusing the Democrats of putting the other Sullivan on the ballot as a decoy to “trick” GOP voters
Ranked-choice rules
Alaska uses a ranked-choice voting system. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent of first-preference votes, the lowest-ranked candidate is dropped and their votes are reallocated to their second choices.
The retired teacher insists he entered the race for genuine reasons. “It’s a free country,” he told Courthouse News Service. “Most Alaskans are proud Independents and it’s my sincere hope that people know who and what they are voting for but ultimately, choice is good and voters’ intent will be as varied as the candidates who are running.”
To reduce confusion, state election officials printed “Incumbent” next to the senator’s name and identified him as a “Registered Republican.” By contrast, his challenger appears under his full name, “Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.,” without any party label.
