A Plan for Two Dans: How Democrats Manipulated Alaska’s Ballot
Summary
The Daily investigates a secret scheme by Democrats in Alaska to recruit a second candidate named Dan Sullivan for the U.S. Senate race, aiming to split Republican votes and help Mary Peltola win. Reporter Kellen Browning reveals that despite official denials, Democratic operatives actively recruited the challenger, who shares his name with the incumbent Republican senator. The episode explores the ethical implications of this ballot-stacking strategy and its potential impact on the closely contested race that could determine Senate control.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and show introduction
The mystery of two Dan Sullivans in Alaska
Background on the race and Republican accusations
Mary Peltola's profile and the political landscape
Kellen Browning's visit to Petersburg, Alaska
Interview with Dan J. Sullivan and his claims
Reporter's skepticism and initial findings
Staff firings and allegations against Peltola
Elisa Rios reveals the Democratic scheme
Sponsorship break
The secret plan to stack the ballot
Jared Kurtz's recruitment efforts and other candidates
Legal implications and ballot confusion concerns
Ranked choice voting and mitigation strategies
Trump's reaction and the ethics debate
Potential impact on voters and the election
Promotion of NYT app and sponsorship break
Spain train crash investigation
Credits and sign-off
Schwab sponsorship
Listen ad-free on Castria