Democratic nominee Mary Peltola faces criticism for her role in stacking the ballot
(PLGNN) - In our current political environment, many voters have a sanitized view of the Democratic Party. With all the corruption perpetuated by the Trump administration, too many people forget that scandals exist on both sides. However, recent controversies surrounding Mary Peltola's Alaska senate campaign has brought this reality to light.
Alaska's senate race is currently divided between three people vying for a traditionally Republican seat. Incumbent GOP senator Dan S. Sullivan is defending his seat against Mary Peltola, a former US congresswomen representing Alaska's at-large district, and Dan J. Sullivan Jr., a retired school teacher. For months, most thought that Dan J. Sullivan Jr. entered the race independently to spite the GOP. Alaska has been devastated by Trump's tariffs and the War in Iran; the Congressional Joint Economic Committee reported that Alaskan families have spend $4,300 more on goods and services since Trump took office. He currently holds a -18 net approval rating in the state (according to The Economist), even though he won it 3 times.
Trump accused the Democrats of intentionally stacking the ballot, and he directed his DOJ to block the election certification if Peltola won. Observers initially didn't take his theory seriously; however, on Oct. 28, a bombshell New York Times report revealed that Mary Peltola's campaign intentionally recruited Dan J. Sullivan to confuse voters. They searched for a down-to-earth spoiler candidate for months to split the vote and win.
This revelation caused shockwaves across the political world- Trump demanded that Peltola be removed from the ballot and prosecuted while Mike Dunleavy, Alaska's Republican governor, ordered a state investigation. Democrats largely stayed quiet about the scandal, and Peltola kept all of her previous endorsements. A judge dropped Trump's attempt to block the certification, which he quickly appealed.
So far, the scandal has negatively affected Peltola's polling numbers. Her lead over Senator Dan Sullivan has quickly dropped from +7 (NYT/Siena Sept. 24 - Oct. 1 poll) to +0.2 (InsiderAdvantage Oct. 31-Nov. 1). Democrats most likely need Alaska if they want to gain control of the senate, and this 'October surprise' may make or break the race. Peltola definitely still has an advantage in the race; most election forecasters still characterize the race as a 'toss-up' or 'Lean Dem.' However, the state's undecided voters who are disgusted by constant corruption may decide to stay home or vote for Sullivan.