US Attorney General Todd Blanche insists the Alaska Senate lawsuit won't block certification, but Murkowski says DOJ 'should never have filed'
President Donald Trump has admitted ordering the case, telling reporters: "I'm the one that said do it." The Thursday filing targets Daniel J. Sullivan Jr, a 69-year-old retired schoolteacher on the ballot alongside Senator Dan S. Sullivan. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said the ballot already clearly distinguishes the two men. Blanche claims the suit only preserves ballots so Alaska officials can judge whether voters were confused.
Common Cause, backed by the ACLU, has moved to intervene against the Justice Department.
Democrat Mary Peltola called the suit "a very desperate attempt to cling to power."
At a Florida rally, Trump branded the same-name candidacy "cheating like hell."
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