"His declaration of candidacy was not submitted in good faith but with the intent to confuse or mislead voters." – Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher
The Ruling
On Monday, Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher disqualified Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. from the August primary ballot. Beecher stated that his declaration of candidacy was not submitted in good faith but with the intent to confuse or mislead voters. The decision allows for an appeal. Ballots must be printed by June 28.
Background of the Candidacy
The challenger, a retired teacher from Petersburg, Alaska, filed his candidacy days before the June 1 deadline. Incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan and fellow Republicans have alleged that the challenger is a sham candidate coordinating with Democrats to aid former Democratic U.S. Representative Mary Peltola. Both the challenger and Peltola's campaign have denied these allegations.
Investigation and Complaints
Republican Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom initiated an investigation into the challenger's candidacy last week, citing what she described as credible allegations of coordination with another campaign. Two complaints seeking the challenger's disqualification were filed by Alaska Republican Party Chair Carmela Warfield.
Responses and Reactions
The challenger maintained that he met all qualifications for the office and stated that he entered the race due to dissatisfaction with the incumbent's 12-year record. He argued that Lieutenant Governor Dahlstrom lacked legal basis to exclude him.
Incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan's campaign manager praised the decision as upholding a free and fair election.
Protesters in Juneau expressed opposition to removing the challenger, arguing that the issue could have been resolved by using middle initials to distinguish the candidates.