Peltola Criticized for Using 'Cue Cards' in Alaska Senate Debate

Alaska Democratic Senate hopeful Mary Peltola faced criticism Thursday night after her use of notecards during a debate with Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan drew mocking responses from GOP critics, including a pointed jab from her incumbent opponent.

Sullivan, who is in an unusually close race with Peltola, a former congresswoman, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after Peltola appeared to have a notecard-sized paper with bullet points that she consulted for several seconds while answering questions. "Really, Mary? Reading off a script? You can't cue-card your way through the Senate," Sullivan posted.

The criticism quickly became a focal point of the debate. NRSC official Joanna Rodriguez posted on X, "Mary, blink twice if you are okay. It seems you can't string a sentence together without reading from the talking points your Lower 48 handlers wrote you."

Another social media user commented, "Mary Peltola can't read her name or that she's a grandmother without needing a cue card." The Republican Party's research arm also highlighted a clip of Peltola appearing to read from her card, tweeting, "Mary Peltola — who did not introduce a single bill to help Alaska fisherman during her first term in Congress — has to read off of a script when talking about Alaska's fishing industry."

After Peltola appeared to consult her card again, Sullivan addressed the debate moderators, asking, "We weren't supposed to get these questions beforehand, were we?" The moderators confirmed the questions were not provided in advance. Sullivan then stated, "I’m just watching my opponent." Peltola defended herself, interjecting that she was better "prepared."

The debate also became heated when Sullivan confronted Peltola over allegations that she mistreated former staffers, citing reports from The New York Times and claiming that 25 employees had quit during her tenure. Peltola rejected the allegations as "outright fabrications or mass exaggerations of the truth," arguing that the election should not focus on "her worst day."

Moderators intervened due to the heated exchange, warning that microphones could be shut off if the candidates continued interrupting. Sullivan maintained the allegations reflected a pattern of behavior, while Peltola accused her opponent of exploiting the controversy for political gain.

On the issue of Alaska's liquefied natural gas pipeline, Peltola expressed support but cautioned against raising expectations without firm commitments, stating Alaska should not be "promoting falsehoods that just have no substance." Sullivan defended the administration's efforts, asserting that Seoul had committed funding through a broader trade agreement, though the specific investment amount remained under negotiation.

Peltola previously made history as the first Democrat in decades to represent Alaska in the House of Representatives following the death of Republican Rep. Don Young. Her current Senate candidacy is seen as a key race in Republicans' efforts to defend their narrow Senate majority, with the contest rated a toss-up by The Cook Political Report. The outcome in Alaska is among several that could determine control of the Senate in January.