Alaska Senate Candidate Accused in 'Sabotage Plot' Leaves Town Amid Criminal Probe

Daniel J Sullivan, the second candidate in Alaska's Senate race who shares the name of the Republican incumbent, has reportedly left his hometown of Petersburg earlier this week. His departure comes as neighbors have questioned the legitimacy of his campaign and as a criminal investigation into an alleged ballot sabotage plot intensifies.

A source told CBS that Sullivan was seen flying to Anchorage on Monday, just days before reports surfaced accusing the campaign of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) of recruiting him to siphon votes from incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan.

Residents of Petersburg, a small fishing town, noted the absence of campaign materials such as flyers or signs from Sullivan, who was previously a school teacher. His current whereabouts remain unknown.

Intensifying Investigations

US Attorney for the District of Alaska Michael Heyman confirmed that the investigation into the alleged scheme has been ongoing for months. However, recent revelations, including those published by The New York Times, have accelerated the probe.

"Recent reporting has resulted in troubling new revelations," Heyman stated, adding that his office has assigned multiple attorneys to the case. He assured the public that "we will not let anyone or any group undermine this election" and that "credible information comes out, we are committed to pursuing that information to deceive voters, and we will act on it. We are acting on it intensely and swiftly."

Heyman also announced that the U.S. is filing a motion for preliminary injunction, citing new information received within the preceding 24 hours. He confirmed that both a civil lawsuit and a criminal investigation are underway regarding the alleged ballot manipulation.

This development follows a court filing by the Department of Justice on Friday, detailing that the Trump administration sent letters to election officials nationwide. These letters, issued by the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, demand the preservation of election records or face potential criminal penalties, including up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine for non-compliance.

A Closely Watched Race

The race for the Alaska Senate seat is considered one of the closest in the country and could be pivotal in determining the balance of power in Congress. The Cook Political Report classifies it as a toss-up.

The controversy erupted following reports that Peltola's campaign and the DSCC allegedly recruited a candidate named Dan Sullivan to confuse voters and improve Peltola's chances against the incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan. This led to a criminal investigation initiated by the state's Republican governor earlier this week.

Concurrently, a separate civil case, initiated by the Department of Justice earlier this year, is examining the potential implications for certifying the election results should incumbent Dan Sullivan lose.