DOJ Issues 30-Plus Subpoenas in Alaska 'Decoy Dan' Probe, Vows Appeal

Federal prosecutors in Alaska issued more than 30 subpoenas in 24 hours, according to Fox News sources, in a criminal investigation into whether Democratic operatives recruited a same-name candidate to siphon votes from Sen. Dan Sullivan.

On Sunday, U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed a separate DOJ lawsuit that sought to delay certification of the Senate race. She wrote that the government had not shown how the requested investigation could determine voters' intent while protecting ballot secrecy, and that the relief would intrude on Alaska's role in running its elections. The DOJ says it will appeal to the 9th Circuit, arguing the dismissal was procedural and never addressed its claim that Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. entered the race to confuse voters.

The New York Times reported last week that people tied to Mary Peltola's campaign and senior Democratic Senatorial Committee aides helped recruit the second Sullivan. Peltola says she "knew nothing," her campaign says it has "no involvement," and Sullivan Jr. denies coordinating with her campaign.

The ballot lists the incumbent as "Sullivan, Dan S." and the challenger as "Sullivan, Daniel J. Jr." NRSC chair Tim Scott said he felt "absolutely vindicated," and Sen. Sullivan said he will accept Tuesday's result. Critics, including Common Cause, argue the DOJ has no role in state election law and that the timing looks political.