CBS News reported independent Senate candidate Daniel J. Sullivan left Petersburg ahead of Alaska’s Nov. 3 vote, as Republicans argue his name could confuse voters choosing between him and the incumbent.
Multiple people confirmed Sullivan’s departure from the town earlier this week, CBS reported. A former student told the outlet she saw him on a Monday flight to Anchorage but did not know where he was going.
Dozens of residents told CBS they had not seen or received campaign materials since Sullivan announced his candidacy last spring. Local fisherman Andrew Worhatch told the outlet, “I haven’t seen a platform.” Petersburg’s school district said Sullivan spent nearly 20 years teaching music and fourth- and fifth-grade classes before retiring in 2021.
Republicans have argued that Sullivan’s candidacy could confuse voters. Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who is seeking reelection, called him a “sham candidate,” CBS reported. The campaign of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola and national Democrats deny any connection to Daniel J. Sullivan’s candidacy. Peltola said she had not known about Sullivan and did not want to mislead voters. In summer interviews with CBS, Sullivan said he wanted to represent Alaska in the Senate.
The New York Times first reported alleged efforts by operatives linked to Peltola’s campaign to recruit Sullivan, CBS said. Dunleavy ordered a state investigation after that account, while the Justice Department stepped up its criminal inquiry, CBS reported. The outlet said no one had been charged. EconoTimes previously reported Dunleavy’s investigation order.
