Justice Department confirms criminal probe into Alaska Senate race

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched criminal and civil investigations into groups affiliated with the U.S. Senate campaign of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska confirmed Friday. Michael Heyman stated that a significant surge of law enforcement assets has been directed to Alaska following media reports that Democratic campaigners sought to recruit spoiler candidates to siphon votes away from incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan.

In parallel civil litigation, the Justice Department has sued the Alaska Division of Elections, asking a federal judge to prevent the state from declaring anyone but Dan S. Sullivan the winner of the race. Federal attorneys also filed a motion to preserve all ballots cast for the incumbent and to compel the Peltola campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to turn over text messages and other communications linked to the recruitment effort.

Judge Sharon Gleason is expected to rule by Monday on whether the federal government has standing to bring the lawsuit, a legal hurdle given that the Constitution generally assigns election oversight to states. While Heyman said he has not discussed the complaints with the White House, President Donald Trump recently stated he ordered the Justice Department to file the civil complaint to defend the integrity of Alaska’s elections.

Read the full story at alaskabeacon.com.