Republican lawmakers and allies have suggested that the US Senate could refuse to seat Democratic candidate Mary Peltola if she wins Alaska’s closely contested Senate race. Their remarks have escalated tensions over an election already overshadowed by legal challenges involving two candidates named Dan Sullivan.
A federal judge on Monday dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice seeking to delay certification of Alaska’s Senate election over concerns that a second candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan could confuse voters and affect the outcome.
After the lawsuit was dismissed, House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer said on Fox News Sunday that it was “a big possibility” that Republicans might refuse to seat Peltola if she won the race. He however noted that he has “not spoken to Sen. Thune about that,” referring to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).
Deep Dive
Why did a judge dismiss the lawsuit over Alaska’s two Dan Sullivan candidates?
Could the US Senate refuse to seat Mary Peltola if she wins Alaska’s Senate race?
How could two candidates named Dan Sullivan affect Alaska’s Senate election?
Conservative political strategist Roger Stone also argued on social media that, under Article I, Section 5 of the US Constitution, the Senate has authority to judge the elections, returns and qualifications of its members. “There is historical precedent for the Senate taking such action,” Stone wrote.
The dilemma of two Dan Sullivans
{{/usCountry}}The dilemma of two Dan Sullivans
{{/usCountry}}The Alaska race is putting Democrat Peltola up against Republican Gerald Heikes, another contender named Dan J. Sullivan, and incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan.
A lawsuit was filed by the Trump administration, which argued that the presence of two candidates named Dan Sullivan on the ballot could mislead voters. The Justice Department alleged that independent candidate Daniel J. Sullivan entered the race primarily to draw votes away from incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan.
However, US District Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the federal government lacked authority to compel Alaska to segregate or investigate ballots cast for Daniel J. Sullivan. “The United States provides no workable plan” to separate those ballots while preserving voter secrecy, Gleason wrote in her decision.
She also noted that the request came too late because many Alaskans had already voted through early or absentee ballots.
President Donald Trump has publicly backed the lawsuit. He previously said he directed the Justice Department to challenge the ballot, describing Daniel J. Sullivan as the “fake” candidate.
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Peltola denies involvement
The election dispute intensified after The New York Times reported that individuals connected to Peltola’s campaign had discussions about recruiting potential spoiler candidates.
Peltola has denied any knowledge of an alleged plan to place another Dan Sullivan on the ballot.
In an attempt to "clear the air" regarding the accusations made against her campaign, Peltola stated at a Juneau event last week that she "knew nothing about any other candidates on the ballot other for me and the incumbent," according to the Epoch Times.
The Democrat continues to face incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan and independent candidate Daniel J. Sullivan in one of the country’s most closely watched Senate contests.