DOJ to Appeal Ruling in Alaska Senate Race Dispute Over 'Decoy Dan'

The Justice Department said it will appeal a federal judge's decision to dismiss its lawsuit seeking to delay certification of Alaska's Senate election, which is set for Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason ruled on Sunday that the government failed to show how its investigation could identify voters' intent while protecting ballot secrecy, and that the requested relief would improperly interfere with Alaska's election process. The appeal heads to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The dispute pits Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan against challenger Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., whom the DOJ alleges entered the race to confuse voters. Reports say people linked to Democrat Mary Peltola's campaign helped recruit Sullivan Jr., though both deny coordination. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has hinted he might not certify a Peltola win, while Sullivan said he would accept the results. The race could decide Senate control.