DOJ targets roughly 20 Democrats in Alaska election probe, reports say
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U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks during a news conference on Sept. 30. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.
The Justice Department has notified as many as 20 Democratic operatives that they could be targets in its probe into the recruitment of unaffiliated Alaska Senate candidate Daniel J. Sullivan, according to multiple reports.
Why it matters: It's a major escalation in the case and part of the Trump administration's broader push to investigate what it asserts is widespread voter fraud.
Driving the news: The DOJ is reportedly investigating donor fraud and conspiracy charges, per the New York Times.
- The administration has alleged the operatives and Democratic nominee, former Rep. Mary Peltola, deceived voters by recruiting Daniel J. Sullivan to siphon votes away from incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.
- The Peltola campaign says they were not involved in Daniel J. Sullivan's candidacy. Election experts have said recruiting spoiler candidates is not an unusual election tactic and is likely not illegal.
- The NYT reported that it's unclear when the letters were sent or whether all the operatives have received them. Those identified include an official at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), as well as Marc Elias, a voting rights attorney whose law firm has represented multiple prominent Democrats.
What they are saying: "No one should be surprised that President Trump's Department of Justice is targeting me and my law firm on Election Day," Elias said in an emailed statement Tuesday.
- "This administration has repeatedly weaponized the DOJ against the President's political enemies despite zero evidence of wrongdoing, and we are the latest targets."
- "We will not be intimidated by a sham investigation. We are going to keep working around the clock to support our clients and make sure President Trump and his party enjoy a well-deserved beating at the ballot box."
- The DOJ and the Alaska U.S. Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to Axios' requests for comment.
Catch up quick: The DOJ already sent dozens of subpoenas to individuals tied to Daniel J. Sullivan as part of its investigation, Axios' Brittany Gibson previously reported.
- The DOJ's previously sued Alaska to halt certification of its Senate results if it appeared the incumbent could have won if votes cast for the unaffiliated Sullivan had gone towards the sitting senator instead.
- A federal judge dismissed that suit, which the DOJ then appealed.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional detail throughout.
