DOJ sends target letters in Alaska probe to 20 Democrats

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has sent letters to 20 Democrats informing them they are being looked at as part of an investigation into ballot-stacking in Alaska, The New York Times reported Tuesday .

DOJ officials informed recipients that they may be targets of an investigation or asked them to preserve records over the effort to get a candidate with the same name as Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan (Alaska) on the ballot this November.

The Trump administration has moved to block certification of the Senate election if candidate Dan J. Sullivan causes the incumbent to lose to former Rep. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska).

The DOJ has historically avoided taking action that involves elections so close to Election Day but has not followed the precedent during President Trump’s second term. The Times reported that the DOJ is investigating possible donor fraud and conspiracy charges related to Democrats’ alleged effort to recruit the second Sullivan candidate to run for Senate.

Republicans and DOJ officials have said they believe the existence of the second Sullivan on the ballot may amount to a deliberate attempt to confuse voters and throw the election to Peltola. Both parties have legally practiced ballot-stacking for decades, but in this case, Trump has publicly pushed the DOJ to hold those involved “ criminally responsible .”

Peltola and Democratic officials have denied they had any involvement with the other Sullivan’s run for Senate despite the Times reporting that he was recruited directly by Democratic operatives.

Democratic lawyer Marc Elias is reportedly one of the recipients of the letters after Trump recently advocated for his prosecution . Elias said in a statement that he is being targeted by a “weaponized” DOJ that is pursuing the president’s political enemies despite “zero evidence” of wrongdoing. Trump said Elias should “go to jail” in an appearance on Fox News .

“We will not be intimidated by a sham investigation. We are going to keep working around the clock to support our clients and make sure President Trump and his party enjoy a well-deserved beating at the ballot box,” Elias said.