Alaska Senate race gets messy as two Sullivans face off

It’s a bitterly fought US Senate race that became more intense and tumultuous a few days before Election Day. Allegations flew thick and fast over efforts to recruit a candidate with the same name as the Republican incumbent. Moreover, it’s also about investigations backed by President Trump to allegedly delay certification if two-term Sen Dan Sullivan loses, reported AP.

The situation left voters confused in a contest headlined by Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, a former US representative.

The contest drew national attention and brought top Republican officials to Alaska to rally for Sullivan, including Trump himself. But the confusion stemmed from a third candidate in the race, retired teacher Dan J Sullivan. It gave Republicans enough fuel to go after him, and Trump also called him "fake" and ordered the Justice Department to sue to block certification, pending an investigation into potential voter confusion.


Also Read |How Trump could interfere in US midterm elections

The controversy intensified after The New York Times reported that Peltola’s campaign appeared to have been involved in efforts to recruit Daniel J Sullivan into the race. Peltola has denied any involvement, saying she is not interested in “tricking voters”.

Meanwhile, Daniel J Sullivan, who lives in the small fishing community of Petersburg, had previously denied having contact with Peltola’s campaign. He has not responded to recent messages, reported AP.

Amid all this, the FBI has talked to some donors to Daniel J Sullivan’s campaign, and the Justice Department has confirmed that a criminal investigation is underway. But both candidates are clearly differentiated on the ballot, with independent candidate Daniel J Sullivan Jr. against the incumbent, Dan S Sullivan, Republican.

The contest has also piqued the interest of many as Alaska’s complicated relationship with Washington has always remained at the forefront. The most common issues are disputes over oil, gas, mining and environmental restrictions, as the federal government owns about 60% of the state’s land.

This contest is also one of several key races that would ultimately prove crucial in determining who would control the chamber.