

In this Aug. 4, 2014 file photo, Dan Sullivan, Republican candidate for U.S. Senator, left, speaks with supporters following a debate in Eagle River, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

The day after Alaska Senate nominee Dan Sullivan (R) was criticized by Democratic Sen. Mark Begich's campaign for missing a candidate forum, he was spotted raising money in Cleveland, Ohio. Sullivan was raised in the Cleveland area and has faced Democratic attacks questioning his Alaskan credentials.

Sullivan was spotted at The Union Club in Cleveland on Monday morning by American Bridge 21st Century, a Democratic opposition research firm. American Bridge shared video of Sullivan at the event with The Washington Post. Sullivan's campaign confirmed that he was there to raise money for his campaign.

Begich's campaign claimed in a Sunday press release that Sullivan "no showed" at a Shiloh Community Development, Inc. Forum Sunday. Sullivan's campaign said he took questions at the Shiloh Baptist Church a week earlier, and that it had been in contact with organizers of the forum to tell them he would not be there on Sunday.

It is not uncommon for candidates to raise money in other states. But the issue is especially sensitive for Sullivan, whose residency has come under attack from Begich's campaign and Democratic allies.

Sullivan was raised in Ohio and moved to Alaska in 1997 but spent much of the next decade living in Maryland while he worked in the Bush administration. In between, he was recalled to active military service.

Democrats have run ads pointing out Sullivan's Ohio roots and his time living in Maryland. Sullivan's wife, an Alaska native, has defended him in a TV ad emphasizing his commitment to the state.

The Alaska Senate race is among a handful of contests analysts believe will decide which party controls the chamber in 2015. Polls show a close race.

Begich's debate attendance record has also come under scrutiny. He was criticized by the Sullivan campaign for missing a luncheon in Juneau the Republican attended. Between the August primary and the Nov. 4, election, Sullivan's campaign said he is on pace to debate Begich eight times -- far more debates than many other competitive races.

Begich was criticized by Republicans for missing a procedural vote on unemployment benefits when he was in Hawaii to deliver a speech and raise money earlier this year.

Updated at 4:18 p.m.