Stevens has 4000 vote lead, with 40,000 absentee votes still uncounted.

[godai]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – With his political future uncertain, a weary Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, looking at bit deflated, left a gathering of supporters to go home and get some sleep. With 96 percent of precincts reporting, Stevens — the longest serving Republican in the history of the Senate — led Tuesday with 48 percent of the vote compared to 47 percent for two-term Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, a Democrat.

Stevens' lead was fewer than 4,000 votes with more than 40,000 absentee ballots to be counted within 10 days.

Since Stevens has been senator, he's never even remotely been in such a tight race, said his spokesman, Aaron Saunders. But, he said, Stevens was cautiously optimistic about the outcome.




http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081105/ap_on_el_se/alaska_senate

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. some absentee votes may precede the conviction

[speedoo]

2. Mind boggling.

I know there are some smart people in Alaska, but it's very obvious, between electing Palin, and apparantly re-electing a seven-time convicted felon, that there are far more idiots there.

[doc03]

3. How in the Hell could he have a lead?

Never mind Alaska also elected Sarah Palin.

[fed_up_mother]

5. Easy. If he wins, and then drops out, a republican governor will name his successor

Even if folks were dissatisfied with Stevens, it was still in their best interest to vote for him.

[godai]

7. I learned today that there would be a special election, no appointment.

Palin could run in that special election!!

[doc03]

8. Oh my God, you mean I may have to

listen to that voice again for six years.

[jacksonian]

4. blame this one on

the senior senator from hawaii, he just had to speak up for his ethically-challenged friend.

[riqster]

6. Stevens and Bob Taft

...two convicts who wanted to stay in office. Hope "Unca Ted" is less successful.

[d_b]

9. well...I know of 3 votes for begich in that pile

jesus christ wtf is wrong with my state...

[Old Codger]

10. flabbergasted is one word

I am always amazed at the constant stupidity but not surprised.... Alaska seems to be in love with a cabal of criminals.... It is one thing to be proudly independent but asinine purposeful ignorance is unforgivable....