The glacier paced count of absentee and provisional ballots in Alaska is dragging on, and as of this writing, a 3K vote lead help by incumbent – and convicted – Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) has evaporated. Challenger Mark Begich (D-AK) was up by over 800 votes with 35K left to count.
RBR/TVBR observation: Even if he wins, Stevens faces possible harsh disciplinary action from members of his own party back in Washington. Jim DeMint (R-SC) has vowed to seek expulsion, and it only takes one senator to put that action on the floor (67, however must approve it). If Stevens wins, then resigns, a new election would be held under which a Republican candidate could prevail – maybe even Sarah Palin. But failing that, Begich may be doing Washington Republicans a favor by ending Stevens’ days in the Senate at the ballot box.
