President Donald Trump said Sunday that “a lot of people don’t know what incumbent means” as he continued to argue that Alaska’s Senate ballot is confusing voters because it includes two candidates with similar names. Speaking to reporters before traveling to Michigan for a rally, Trump complained that Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan, whom he has endorsed, appears on the ballot alongside Daniel J.
Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher. His comments mark the latest intervention by the president in a dispute that has prompted a Justice Department lawsuit, with Election Day just over a week away. Newsweek reached out to the Alaska Division of Elections for comment on Sunday.
The Alaska Senate ballot lists the Republican incumbent as Dan S. Sullivan and identifies him as the “Incumbent.” Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. is also on the ballot.
Sullivan Jr. is listed under his full name and without a party designation beneath his name. Trump has repeatedly alleged that Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.’s candidacy is intended to confuse voters and hurt Senator Sullivan, who is running against Democrat Mary Peltola and other candidates.
On Sunday, Trump again characterized the situation as deliberate. That’s just outright cheating.” Trump did not provide evidence in his remarks Sunday that Democrats were responsible for Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.’s candidacy.
Sullivan Jr. has rejected suggestions that his candidacy is illegitimate. After courts restored him to the ballot, he said he was running because he was dissatisfied with the incumbent’s representation. Sullivan Jr. from the ballot after concluding that his candidacy was not filed in “good faith” and was instead intended to “confuse or mislead” voters.
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