The Department of Justice has issued grand jury subpoenas in a probe of whether an Alaska Senate candidate who shares the incumbent's name entered the race to confuse voters. Dan J. Sullivan and incumbent Dan S. Sullivan both appear on the state's nonpartisan primary ballot; the top four advance to November. Dan J. Sullivan denies any intent to mislead voters, and NBC News first reported the subpoenas. Federal investigations do not always lead to charges.
DOJ Issues Grand Jury Subpoenas in Probe of Alaska Senate Candidate Who Shares Incumbent's Name
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) gives a remembrance of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) as he lies in state in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, U.S., March 29, 2022. Greg Nash/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
The U.S. Department of Justice has issued grand jury subpoenas in a federal investigation examining whether an Alaska Senate candidate who shares the same name as the Republican incumbent entered the race to confuse voters, a source familiar with the probe said.
Investigation Focus
The subpoenas specifically concern the candidacy of Dan J. Sullivan, who is listed on the state's nonpartisan primary ballot alongside incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. Both men are among multiple contenders in the top-four primary, with the top four vote-getters advancing to the November general election.
Potential Political Impact
If Dan J. Sullivan advances to the general election, his presence on the ballot could complicate re-election efforts for Sen. Dan S. Sullivan by creating voter confusion or splitting name recognition among voters.
Note: The subpoenas were first reported by NBC News. Federal investigations do not always result in criminal charges.
Responses
Dan J. Sullivan has told U.S. news organizations he did not enter the race to mislead voters or siphon support from Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. The Department of Justice has not publicly commented on the status of the grand jury proceedings.
(Reporting by Jasper Ward, Christian Martinez and Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Jamie Freed)
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