Republicans seize on controversy in Alaska's closely watched Senate race

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has ordered an investigation into Democrat Mary Peltola’s Senate campaign following reports that the campaign helped recruit a candidate to dilute Republican votes. According to RTE News and Axios, the controversy involves two candidates with nearly identical names appearing on the ballot: incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan and unaffiliated challenger Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. The New York Times reported that aides to Peltola worked to recruit candidates to siphon votes from the incumbent, a claim that Peltola's campaign had denied for months.

The Department of Justice has issued subpoenas regarding the matter, with The Guardian US noting that ABC News reported the subpoenas following allegations that the campaign collaborated with party operatives to confuse voters. Additionally, Axios reports that House Republicans are launching a probe into the Alaska Senate race.

President Trump has commented on the situation, calling for Peltola’s prosecution and questioning how she is even allowed to run. RTE News notes that prior to the recent reports, Trump had pushed the Justice Department to seek a lawsuit to prevent Alaska from certifying Peltola if she were to win. The dispute comes ahead of next Tuesday's midterm elections, which could determine control of the Senate.

Brief written by urgent.news from PBS NewsHour, CBS News, RTE News, The Guardian US, Axios — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.