Attorney General Todd Blanche has defended the Trump administration’s lawsuit aimed at blocking the certification of Alaska’s Senate race if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses. He asserted that the legal action is necessary to avoid voter confusion in the highly contested election, which is set for November 3.
In an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Blanche emphasized that former President Donald Trump is not attempting to overturn state election results. “We wish that we didn’t have to do this. We hope for a resolution that works,” he said, addressing concerns over the impact of a second candidate with the same name on the ballot.
Republicans worry that Dan Sullivan, a retired teacher from Petersburg, could pull votes away from the incumbent Sullivan, potentially benefitting Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman. Peltola condemned the lawsuit as “flagrant corruption” and accused Republicans of using it as a diversion tactic. Alaska’s other Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski, also criticized the legal challenge on social media.
Trump expressed his belief that the ballot is illegal due to its unfair nature, urging that voters should be made aware of Sullivan’s status as the sitting senator. “At least let him use the name Sen. Dan Sullivan as opposed to incumbent,” he argued, claiming that many voters may not understand the term “incumbent.” On ballots, Alaskan voters will see “Dan S. Sullivan” listed as a “registered Republican” and “incumbent,” while “Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.” will not be affiliated with any party.
Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney before his appointment as the head of the Department of Justice, dismissed questions about whether Trump is setting the stage for similar election challenges that occurred prior to the January 6 Capitol riots. He stated, “We are not doing anything improper. We’re not doing anything we’re allowed to do. And we have to let the process play out.”
The lawsuit was filed just a day before Peltola’s comments and continues to draw scrutiny as the midterm elections approach. The outcome could significantly impact Alaska’s political landscape.
