DOJ broadens probe into alleged candidate confusion in Alaska Senate race

The Justice Department has widened its criminal investigation into an alleged effort to confuse voters in Alaska’s closely contested Senate race. The inquiry could affect scrutiny of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign, which denies involvement, as control of the Senate may depend on the result.

Sources told the New York Times that about 20 letters were sent on Election Day to Democrats and lawyers, including election lawyer Marc Elias and an official at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. The letters reportedly said investigators were examining possible donor fraud and conspiracy charges. The allegation is that Democrats recruited Daniel J Sullivan to run against Republican Senator Dan Sullivan; a federal judge dismissed the administration’s bid to block certification of the results, and the Justice Department is appealing.