Peltola denies role in second Dan Sullivan ballot effort as Alaska probes widen

The U.S. Justice Department issued new grand jury subpoenas and records preservation demands this week in a criminal investigation of an alleged plan to put a second Dan Sullivan on Alaska's Senate ballot, a person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. The New York Times had reported that operatives for Democrat Mary Peltola's campaign, and aides at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, appeared involved in recruiting Dan J Sullivan Jr. to run against Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. Peltola said Thursday in Juneau that she knew nothing of it, and she repeated the denial Friday. Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, has ordered a state criminal probe and said illegal findings could affect whether someone is seated. The race could help decide Senate control in next week's midterms.

Right-leaning outlets stress Democratic leadership and allies. Fox News headlines an accusation that Chuck Schumer plotted for a year, leading with Sen. John Barrasso's claim of criminal behavior and proof the campaign knew, while noting that national Democrats deny involvement. The Federalist highlights a report that Marc Elias' law firm, which represents Peltola's campaign, was part of the plot. Left-leaning outlets center the investigation and Dunleavy. The Guardian leads with the Justice Department subpoenas and Peltola's denial in her own words. The New Republic focuses on Dunleavy declining to commit to certifying a Peltola win, calls the scheme scummy, and says her own knowledge is unclear. All cite the Times report and Peltola's denial. They differ on who is blamed and on whether the larger issue is the scheme or a possible refusal to seat her. The Hill noted she did not address the probes.