Peltola denies knowing about Alaska spoiler candidate as Justice Department escalates investigation

What happened: Mary Peltola denied knowing about an effort to put another candidate on the Alaska ballot with the same name as the Republican incumbent. The Justice Department escalated a criminal investigation with new grand jury subpoenas. Why it matters: The Justice Department's escalation with new grand jury subpoenas signals the investigation is advancing, while Peltola's denial addresses her alleged connection to the ballot effort.

Mary Peltola denied knowing about an effort to put another candidate on the Alaska ballot with the same name as the Republican incumbent. The Justice Department escalated a criminal investigation with new grand jury subpoenas.

The Justice Department's escalation with new grand jury subpoenas signals the investigation is advancing, while Peltola's denial addresses her alleged connection to the ballot effort.