Sarah Palin and Nick Begich, Republican candidates for Alaska’s only U.S. House seat, each declined by Monday’s deadline to exit the general election – creating a situation in which they could split the GOP vote and more easily allow the Democrat candidate to win.

They will face Democrat Mary Peltola, who last week won the state’s special election to temporarily fill the seat of late-Rep. Don Young.

Palin, a former Alaska governor and GOP vice presidential nominee, has since Peltola’s victory was announced over her and Begich, who finished in third, for him to exit the general election contest.

“He represents the good ol’ boys network, the establishment and yes, the liberals,” said Palin, who continues to point out Begich has lost three elections.

“Only a Democrat sympathizer would selfishly stay in this race after getting thumped three times,” she also said, according to Alaska Public