This combination photo shows Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, left, and another Senate candidate named Dan Sullivan. Mark Thiessen, Becky Bohrer/AP hide caption

Mark Thiessen, Becky Bohrer/AP

Alaska's governor is ordering an investigation after a New York Times report on the state's toss-up U.S. Senate race , which could determine which party controls the chamber next year.

That story detailed efforts by Democratic campaign operatives to recruit what Republicans have long alleged is a spoiler candidate whose presence on the ballot could confuse voters and siphon support from the GOP incumbent. The two candidates share the name Dan Sullivan.

NPR hasn't independently confirmed the Times ' reporting, but it's roiled the Senate race just days before Election Day.…