U.S. Politics · Courts · 40 outlets (L 9 · C 11 · R 16 · 4 not rated)

Judge dismisses Trump administration lawsuit over Alaska Senate race

A federal judge on Sunday dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to block certification of Alaska's U.S. Senate race if Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.^{⁠[6, 32, 55]} The suit, filed at President Trump's direction less than two weeks before the election, concerned a second candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, appearing on the ballot.^{⁠[15, 63, 65]} Alaska's Republican-run state government had urged dismissal, saying setting aside ballots was 'not even possible' without violating voter privacy.^{⁠[43, 63]}

Sullivan told CNN's 'State of the Union' he would accept the election results whether he wins or loses.^{⁠[13, 17]} Sullivan also accused Peltola of lying about her campaign's involvement in recruiting the second Dan Sullivan, saying 'She got caught lying, and she's still lying.'^{⁠[23, 29, 38]} A recent New York Times investigation reported that aides from Peltola's campaign were involved in the effort; Peltola has denied any knowledge of it.^{⁠[13, 23]}

Why it matters The dismissal halts the Justice Department's push for discovery into an alleged Democratic-backed spoiler campaign, according to the Washington Examiner.^⁠[57]

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Read first ‘She’s Still Lying!’ GOP Senator Dan Sullivan Hammers Dem Opponent Over the Reported Plot to Put Another Dan Sullivan on the Ballot · Mediaite