Recruitment probe deepens as Peltola denies knowledge of candidate on Alaska Senate ballot besides herself and incumbent Sullivan

Peltola rejects reported involvement

Peltola denied knowing about efforts to recruit a candidate with a name similar to Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. Asked at a campaign event Thursday about the New York Times report, she called it “just another distraction,” according to ABC News.

Earlier this week, her campaign told ABC News it had no involvement with either Sullivan campaign. Former Peltola staffer Elisa Rios told the Times that Peltola was not directly involved but was “definitely aware.” ABC News asked the campaign to clarify whether Peltola was denying knowledge of the reported recruitment effort.

Two candidates named Sullivan

Sen. Sullivan criticized the alleged effort Thursday on Fox News, calling it a “secret operation” intended to trick Alaskans. Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign had not responded to ABC News’ request for comment earlier this week.

Federal inquiries and election dispute

The Justice Department has issued a new wave of subpoenas as part of a criminal investigation into Democrats’ alleged effort to recruit Dan J. Sullivan, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.

Separately, the Trump administration filed a civil lawsuit last week seeking to block Alaska from certifying election results if Sen. Sullivan narrowly loses. A federal judge is expected to rule in the coming days. President Donald Trump said Friday that understanding a ballot listing two Dan Sullivans would require a “190 IQ,” although the candidates’ names, party affiliation and incumbency are clearly distinguished, according to the report.