The New York Times reported Wednesday that Mary Peltola's campaign worked with people recruiting a second Dan Sullivan for Senate. The report says the aim was to draw votes from Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan.
Why it matters: The Peltola campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee have both denied involvement. The report's main named source, Elisa Rios, later asked to retract her statements.
Where they split: Coverage differs on whether this is a legal, common campaign tactic or a deliberate effort to deceive voters that taints the race.
Center coverage, 21 sources: The center treats the report as a major development that undercuts Democratic denials, while noting such tactics are generally legal.
Left coverage, 18 sources: The left presents the Times investigation largely in the paper's own words, with little added commentary.
Right coverage, 37 sources: The right sees confirmation of long-held suspicions that Democrats planted a decoy candidate, and faults the Times for late timing.
What’s next: A federal judge said she would rule on motions in the Justice Department suit by late Wednesday. The suit targets the Alaska Division of Elections.
