Democrats ask judge to dismiss Trump administration’s challenge to Alaska Senate race

Attorneys for Alaska’s Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola and Senate Democrats filed a motion Friday urging a federal judge to drop the Trump administration’s lawsuit that seeks to block the results of the upcoming election if Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan loses.

The motion, filed on behalf of Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, called the lawsuit filed by the Justice Department “an unprecedented pre-emptive strike on democratic elections.”

“This case directly threatens both Proposed Intervenors’ interests by demanding that defendants refuse to certify the election if, and only if, Peltola wins,” the filing said. “It is part of a nationwide attack on free elections by the federal government, which the DSCC has fought at every turn.”

The Trump administration filed suit against election officials in Alaska Thursday, arguing that candidate Dan J. Sullivan Jr.’s appearance on the ballot could mislead those who wish to vote for Sen. Dan S. Sullivan’s re-election.

The lawsuit came after President Donald Trump repeatedly complained about both the incumbent being threatened by a man with the same name and the state’s use of ranked-choice voting.

“I am very concerned about the Dan S. Sullivan Race for the U.S. Senate in Alaska in…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business