Democratic Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola has denied any involvement in a ballot controversy involving a candidate who shares the name of her Republican opponent, Senator Dan Sullivan.
Speaking to supporters at a rally in Juneau on Thursday, Ms Peltola said she had known about only herself and the incumbent among the candidates in the race.
“I just want to clear the air. I knew nothing about any other candidates on the ballot except for me and the incumbent. That is all I have ever known about,” she said.
Her comments followed two days of intense questions over how Daniel J. Sullivan, who has the same first and last name as the Republican senator, came to appear on the ballot in the closely fought contest.
The New York Times has alleged that operatives linked to Ms Peltola’s campaign helped recruit Daniel J. Sullivan. Ms Peltola rejected any connection to him and said: “I am not interested in tricking voters. I know I can beat Dan Sullivan.”
The controversy has drawn national scrutiny. The Justice Department has sued in an effort that could prevent the election from being certified if Senator Sullivan loses because of voter confusion.
It has also issued subpoenas as part of a separate criminal investigation.
