FBI Reaches Out to Donors in Alaska Senate Candidate Inquiry
Federal authorities have increased their investigation into Dan J. Sullivan, an Alaska Senate candidate, as agents contact donors regarding potential deception and voter confusion.
The FBI has begun contacting donors of Dan J. Sullivan, an Alaska Senate candidate, as federal authorities escalate their investigation into potential deception in campaign contributions. Agents have reached out to donors in Alaska and Massachusetts, with an FBI agent visiting a boat dealership in Petersburg, the candidate's hometown.
Charles Flint, a Petersburg resident and donor to Dan J. Sullivan's campaign, told The Associated Press that an FBI agent inquired whether he felt misled about which candidate he was supporting. Flint stated he did not feel misled and respected Dan J. Sullivan, a teacher and musician. He added that he intends to rank Democrat Mary Peltola first on his ballot, followed by Dan J. Sullivan, asserting that "Everybody knows who the incumbent is."
President Donald Trump commented on the case at a Halloween party, calling it "voter fraud at the highest level" and suggesting Dan J. Sullivan was in hiding. He also alleged, without providing details, that Democratic leaders outside Alaska might be involved.
U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman confirmed that the federal investigation has been ongoing for several months. Recent reports suggesting Mary Peltola's campaign may have been involved in recruiting retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan have led to a "significant surge of law enforcement assets to Alaska."
Two FBI agents also interviewed a donor in Sitka who requested anonymity, asking if their contribution was made to the intended Sullivan. The donor described the agents as "scrupulously polite" and emphasized the voluntary nature of the conversation.
In Groton, Massachusetts, another donor, Pat Campbell, reported that FBI agents visited her home and spoke with her husband, stating they were investigating fraud in election contributions. Campbell confirmed they had not been defrauded and knew to whom they had contributed.
These developments occur shortly before Alaska's ranked-choice general election, where Peltola is challenging Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. Peltola has denied any involvement in a plan to place candidates on the ballot to detract from the incumbent senator, calling the allegations "garbage" and part of a "smear campaign."