On MS NOW, Democratic strategist Adrienne Elrod downplayed an alleged Alaska ballot scheme highlighted by the New York Times, according to Fox News’ account of the segment. Elrod said, “Some of this stuff happens all the time,” while noting she had not read the Times report.
What the Times alleged
Per Fox News’ summary, the New York Times reported that Democratic operatives recruited retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. to run against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska—two candidates with the same name—potentially aiding Democrat Mary Peltola.
How the MS NOW segment framed it
Fox News reports MS NOW anchor Peter Alexander said the activity attributed to Democrats in Alaska was “not illegal” and emphasized that the Republican senator is listed as “incumbent” on the ballot. Alexander argued that labeling undercuts concerns about voter confusion raised by the Trump administration, according to Fox News.
What Elrod argued
Elrod compared the Alaska allegation to GOP support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2024 challenge to then-President Joe Biden, claiming “Republicans propped him up” and “a lot of Trump donors were giving him money” because they thought he would pull from Biden’s voters. She added, “There are tactics that both campaigns can use,” and said voters who want the incumbent know who that is. Fox News notes Elrod acknowledged she had not read the Times story.
Peltola campaign response
According to Fox News, the campaign for Democratic Alaska Senate nominee Mary Peltola denied involvement in the controversy surrounding Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.
What’s still unclear
Key details, including the full evidence behind the Times’ allegation and the complete MS NOW segment context, were not available in Fox News’ write-up. No legal finding was cited in the reporting.
