The Radical Reading Room

A New York Times report published Wednesday says Mary Peltola’s Senate campaign worked to recruit a second candidate named Dan Sullivan, a Republican, in Alaska’s contest against incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan. The account cites interviews and text messages, as well as documents prepared for a potential lawsuit, according to the supplied reports.

The Times reported that the campaign also sought other potential spoiler candidates, aiming to dilute support for the incumbent and help Peltola. The independent account likewise characterized the reported effort as an attempt to spoil the race and boost Peltola. These are allegations in the reporting, not a stated legal finding.

The Times said text messages showed Peltola campaign members discussing recruitment of people who shared the incumbent’s name. It also described the effort to recruit the second Sullivan as part of a broader attempt to bring potential spoiler candidates into the race. The reports did not establish that Peltola personally directed the effort.

Peltola’s campaign has denied involvement, according to both accounts. Former campaign manager Elisa Rios told the Times that Peltola was not personally involved but knew of her team’s efforts, as summarized by the independent report. The election was scheduled for the following Tuesday, placing the report days before the vote.