Trump administration sues to block Alaska Senate certification if incumbent loses

The Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block certification of Alaska's Senate election if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses.

• The Justice Department filed the lawsuit Thursday, arguing the second Dan Sullivan on the ballot could confuse voters.
• The DOJ alleges the name-sharing candidate could hand the race to Democrat Mary Peltola even if a majority of Alaskans back the incumbent.
• Alaska's Supreme Court previously rejected efforts to remove the retired teacher from the ballot.
• The government asked the court to bar certification if Sen. Sullivan's margin of defeat is smaller than the other Sullivan's vote total.
• Trump said he personally ordered the Justice Department to file the lawsuit challenging the election.
• The administration asked the court to pause certification pending an investigation into voter intent.
• Attorney General Todd Blanche denied any intent to interfere with elections amid Democratic concerns.