FBI visits Dan J. Sullivan donor in candidate's home town as Alaska Senate probe widens

Federal agents have started contacting donors to Dan J. Sullivan, an Alaska U. S. Senate candidate whose name matches that of the Republican incumbent, as a criminal investigation into possible deception of voters becomes public days before Tuesday's ranked choice general election. The Department of Justice also asked a court on Friday to set aside certain Alaska ballots so any voter confusion can be examined, according to The Independent.

Alaska U. S. Attorney Michael Heyman said the inquiry has run for several months. He told reporters in Anchorage that New York Times revelations suggesting Democrat Mary Peltola's campaign helped recruit the candidate, a retired teacher, prompted a major increase in law enforcement personnel in the state. Peltola, a former congresswoman challenging Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, again rejected any role at an Anchorage rally, calling the allegations a smear meant to depress turnout.

An Anchorage-based FBI agent traveled to Petersburg, the candidate's fishing town, and left a card at a boat dealership for Charles Flint. Flint, who gave $500 this summer, told The Associated Press he has long known the candidate as a teacher and musician.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →