Alaska Senate Race: Governor orders probe after 'spoiler' claim

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation into the state's U.S. Senate race on Thursday. The probe follows reports that campaign operatives were attempting to recruit a candidate who shares the name of the incumbent Republican, Dan Sullivan. The state's Senate seat is considered a toss-up heading into Tuesday's election. The move comes as candidates across the country make final stops to secure votes.

A New York Times article revealed that Democratic campaign staff were trying to recruit a potential candidate named Dan Sullivan. Republicans claim this strategy is designed to confuse voters and siphon support from the sitting senator. Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, is running to flip the seat. She faces a competitive race in a state that has historically leaned Republican in recent cycles.

Election law experts told Alaska Public Media that no specific laws were broken by the recruitment efforts. However, they noted that the conduct crosses moral and ethical lines. The experts emphasized that while the name duplication does not violate the letter of the law, it raises questions about fair play in a close contest. The investigation will determine if any procedural errors occurred during the candidate qualification process.

The controversy adds to the pressure on Peltola and Sullivan in the final days before the vote. Both candidates are using their last few days to address voters directly. The name issue has become a focal point for late-breaking news coverage. It has forced both campaigns to clarify their positions and address concerns about voter clarity on the ballot.

Separately, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia. Sylvia had overseen planning at the Pentagon and served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His removal occurs as the U.S. and Israel prepare for potential new attacks against Iran. Although Sylvia held a senior role in strategy, he was not directly involved in day-to-day operations regarding the conflict.

The Pentagon is investigating a leak related to the dismissal but has not provided details. Hegseth has removed several generals and admirals in recent months, often without explanation. These firings have disrupted senior military operations, according to NPR's Greg Myre. The U.S. currently has two aircraft carriers in the Arabian Sea. A third carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is en route. It is unusual for the U.S. to station multiple carriers in one region. The last time it deployed three to the Middle East was during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday. Candidates will hold final rallies and deliver closing arguments in the hours before polls open. The Alaska investigation results are not expected to be finalized before voters cast their ballots. The outcome of the Senate race will determine control of the state's single U.S. Senate seat for the next two years.