Alaska Senator Daniel Sullivan says he expects to lose votes to a second candidate with the same name, alleging that the rival’s appearance on the ballot is part of a scheme linked to Democrats.
Speaking to Jake Tapper on State of the Union, the Republican senator said: “I’m sure I’m going to lose a lot of votes to that trickery.”
The second candidate is Daniel J. Sullivan, while the senator is Daniel S. Sullivan. The New York Times reported that political operatives tied to Sullivan’s opponent, Mary Peltola, allegedly recruited the namesake candidate to draw support away from the Republican.
Asked about similar tactics used by Republicans in the past, Senator Sullivan said he had not adopted such an approach.
“I don’t do it. I haven’t done it. You know me, Jake, that’s not my style,” he said. “And the reason I wouldn’t do it is because I respect the people I represent.”
Peltola’s team has previously denied involvement in persuading the second Sullivan to run.
The dispute has since prompted a state investigation and a federal criminal investigation.
