Peltola campaign hits back as NYT says she recruited 2nd 'Dan Sullivan'

Former Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, is denying the New York Times's report that her campaign recruited a second "Dan Sullivan" to run in the Alaska Senate race against an incumbent of the same name.

“The Alaskans for Mary campaign has no involvement with either Sullivan campaign. Like Mary, our campaign is focused on lowering costs and fixing the rigged system in DC. and did not recruit any candidates into the race,” the campaign told The Hill.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, faces a tough reelection bid against Peltola, in a contest complicated by the presence of a second candidate with his name on the ballot, as well as the state's ranked-choice voting system.

The New York Times published a report on Wednesday documenting the campaign's efforts to find not merely a second "Dan Sullivan" to run, but other potential spoiler candidates as well.

Among the sources the outlet cited was Peltola's former campaign manager, whom she fired.

The Department of Justice has already sued over the presence of the second "Dan Sullivan" and the race could wind up in legal limbo if the results produce no clear winner.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.