Face the Nation discusses midterm elections and Justice Department actions

With nine days left until the midterm elections, control of Congress hangs in the balance as Republicans and Democrats make their final pushes. President Donald Trump aims to win the Republican House and Senate, while former President Barack Obama calls the election a crucial circuit breaker against the current administration. Meanwhile, the Justice Department is stepping up election-related legal challenges.

Alaska Lawsuit

Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the Justice Department's lawsuit in Alaska regarding the upcoming Senate race. Margaret Brennan noted that the state features two candidates named Dan Sullivan, with the incumbent Republican senator facing a challenger. Attorney General Blanche clarified that the head of the Alaska Election Commission stated the second candidate is running solely to confuse voters and pull votes away from the incumbent. Blanche stated that the Department of Justice has been examining the issue under federal law for many months and is asking the court to step in after the Alaska Supreme Court did not, rather than letting the federal government take over the system.

Context

Midterm elections happen midway through a presidential term and decide control of the United States Congress. The Justice Department handles legal matters for the federal government, including issues related to voting laws and election integrity. High-profile national figures often campaign in key states to influence voters in tight congressional races.