A man with the same name and Republican party affiliation as Alaska US Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible to challenge the senator in the August primary, a judge ruled Friday. Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews’ ruling overturns a June 15 decision by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher to disqualify the challenger and keep him off the primary ballot.
Background
The controversy over the two Dan Sullivans has underscored the stakes involved in the incumbent’s reelection campaign. The Alaska race is one of about half a dozen US Senate races expected to be highly competitive in the fall, and the seat is one Democrats are trying to flip in their efforts to try to regain the majority.
The senator and his allies, including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have condemned the challenger’s efforts to join the race, arguing his presence could confuse voters. Under Alaska’s election system, the top four candidates from the primary, regardless of party, move on to the ranked-choice November general election.
Sen. Sullivan has accused the challenger Sullivan of working with Democrats and the campaign of Democratic former US Rep. Mary Peltola — who is considered the senator’s main opponent — to sow confusion and boost Peltola’s chances. Peltola’s campaign and state Democrats have denied the allegation, as has the challenger.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
