State opens probe into Sen. Dan Sullivan’s namesake challenger as he says he can legally run

Key Points:

• Dan J. Sullivan, a retired schoolteacher from Petersburg, Alaska, is challenging incumbent U.S. Senator Dan S. Sullivan in the Republican primary, asserting he is a legitimate candidate and not attempting to deceive voters.
• Alaska’s Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom announced an investigation into Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy amid allegations of deception, including claims he coordinated with Democrats and mimicked the incumbent’s campaign to confuse voters.
• The National Republican Senatorial Committee and Senator Dan S. Sullivan’s campaign accuse Dan J. Sullivan of being a “sham candidate” working with Democrats, citing his recent Republican registration, donations to Democratic candidates, and hiring a strategist linked to Democrats.
• Dan J. Sullivan denies wrongdoing, stating he meets all legal requirements, is frustrated with the incumbent’s record, and is running to offer Alaskans an alternative; he also acknowledged working with strategist Amber Lee and recently registering as a Republican after his previous independent status.
• Lt. Gov. Dahlstrom has requested a sworn affidavit from Dan J. Sullivan addressing allegations of coordination with Democrats and other concerns, and has proposed listing him on the ballot without the Republican party label if deemed appropriate.