The Justice Department has stepped up its investigation into the recruitment of a candidate with the same name as Alaska Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, sending letters to about 20 Democrats saying they may be targets, according to two people familiar with the move.
The notifications came at a decisive point in a close contest between Sullivan and his Democratic challenger, Mary Peltola. Sending such letters during a tight race is highly unusual.
The intended recipients reportedly include Marc Elias, an elections lawyer whose firm has represented Peltola and other Democratic candidates, as well as at least one official with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. It is unclear when the letters were sent or whether all intended recipients received them.
The inquiry concerns possible donor fraud and conspiracy charges, one person familiar with the matter said, speaking anonymously because the investigation is ongoing. Democrats have argued that recruiting candidates, a practice known as ballot stacking, is common in campaigns and is not clearly prohibited by Alaska law. They have also accused the administration of using the Justice Department for political purposes.
President Trump has publicly called for forceful action in Alaska. Over the weekend, he said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Elias should be held “criminally responsible” in the matter.
Sources: The New York Times Politics.