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A key Republican defends Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola after reports of abusive behavior
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan criticized his Democratic opponent Mary Peltola over allegations of abusive behavior toward staff, calling it a “character issue,” while Sen. Lisa Murkowski offered a partial defense citing Peltola’s personal tragedies.
- The New York Times reported multiple anonymous former aides alleging Peltola engaged in angry outbursts, used inappropriate language including slurs, and displayed aggressive behavior such as shoving a staff member.
- Peltola’s campaign acknowledged some struggles related to grief after losing her mother and husband in 2023, denying exaggerations and framing the allegations as distortions of a difficult period in her life.
- Alaska’s Senate race remains highly competitive with Peltola leading in the primary but facing challenges in a state that strongly supported Trump in 2024; the outcome could influence control of the U.S. Senate next year.
- The general election will feature ranked-choice voting and multiple candidates, including two Republicans named Dan Sullivan, raising concerns about potential voter confusion in the tight race.
