Judge Allows Democrats Into Alaska Lawsuit

A federal judge allowed Mary PeltolaMary PeltolaAmerican politician (born 1973)’s campaign and Senate DemocratsSenate Democratic Caucusformal organization of U.S. Democratic Senators to join DOJ’s Alaska election lawsuit. A New York Times report said her staff were instructed to find people named Dan SullivanDan SullivanUnited States Senator from Alaska and recruited Daniel J. SullivanDan J. SullivanAmerican teacher and political candidate (1957–), a lifelong Democrat, to challenge Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. The Justice Department sued Alaska to delay certification if the incumbent loses, arguing voters could confuse the candidates in a close ranked-choice Senate race that could affect chamber control. The judge said Alaska might not adequately represent Democratic interests. The DOJ reversed course and sought fast discovery from Peltola’s campaign. Peltola cited costs and Iran; Murkowski alleged a cover-up. The lawsuit could be dismissed this week; both fights remain unresolved.