Mysterious Wisconsin-based super PAC elevates Decoy Dan Sullivan in Alaska, after backing other spoilers

WASHINGTON — Retired teacher Dan J.Sullivan, also known as “Decoy Dan” because he shares the same name as Alaska’s incumbent US senator, is getting some backup from a mysterious super PAC.Right for Alaska, which appears to be based in Wisconsin, is promoting “Decoy Dan” on its website after spending six figures backing candidates Republicans have accused of being spoilers.

Since late July, the shadowy super PAC has spent over $2.3 million on alternative Republican Senate contenders, including just shy of $1.15 million outright opposing Sen.Dan S.

Sullivan, according to disclosures with the Federal Election Commission.This includes efforts to prop up Gerald Heikes to the tune of over $700,000 and Earl “Skip” Southworth by north of $500,000 as Republican candidates in Alaska’s Senate primary last month.Neither of them made the cut, which might explain Right for Alaska’s shift to “Decoy Dan,” who was part of the top four that advanced to the general election, which will be decided by ranked-choice voting.Alaska’s showdown between Sen.

Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola is one of the most crucial Senate races in the country, and could determine the balance of power in the upper chamber.Critics have accused “Decoy Dan” of deliberately using his near-identical name in a bid to confuse voters.Despite running as a Republican, “Decoy Dan” has enjoyed support from Democrats, something that has drawn FEC complaints and triggered litigation.

In addition to his name and party affiliation, critics noted that his early website design had similarities to Sen.Sullivan.At one point, officials admonished him for messing up his middle initial — the one part of his name that could distinguish him from Sen.

Sullivan.“Decoy Dan” insisted that was an honest mistake.“Decoy Dan” has described himself as a moderate Republican, telling the New York Times that he participated in a “No Kings” protest, voted Democratic in the past three presi...