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Begich Pushes Lead Over Stevens to 1,022

Incumbent's safer regions counted Friday; still 24,000 ballots to go

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2008 7:48 AM CST
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(Newser) – In the Alaska senatorial race, Democrat Mark Begich has stretched his lead over GOP stalwart (and convicted felon) Ted Stevens to 1,022, with over 90% of votes counted, the Anchorage Daily News reports. Some 24,000 ballots remain to be tallied, but yesterday’s results, from typically pro-Stevens areas, were seen as the senator’s best hope to close the gap. The remaining votes will be counted Tuesday.

Stevens’ campaign has been mum as votes are tallied; Begich’s team, meanwhile, is bracing for what it sees as an inevitable recount in December. Though recent recounts have registered little change in Alaska, the campaign has asked supporters for donations “to prepare for an onslaught of Republican lawyers” in the process. If Stevens rallies, he’d be the first senator ever elected pending sentencing on a felony conviction.

Election workers discuss a questioned ballot at the Division of Election office in Anchorage, Alaska, Tuesday Nov. 11, 2008.
Election workers discuss a questioned ballot at the Division of Election office in Anchorage, Alaska, Tuesday Nov. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Al Grillo)
U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, left, stands with U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, as he greets supporters during a welcome home rally for Stevens in Anchorage, Alaska Wednesday Oct. 29, 2008.
U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, left, stands with U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, as he greets supporters during a welcome home rally for Stevens in Anchorage, Alaska Wednesday Oct. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Al Grillo)
Deborah Bonito, left and husband Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich navigate through a crowd of supporters as they left the Egan Center in downtown Anchorage early morning Wednesday Nov. 5. Begich is in a close race running for Alaska's US Senate seat occupied by Sen. Ted Stevens, R-AK.
Deborah Bonito, left and husband Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich navigate through a crowd of supporters as they left the Egan Center in downtown Anchorage early morning Wednesday Nov. 5. Begich is in a close...   (AP Photo/Rob Stapelton)
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