The Three Senate races still undecided (plus Palin factor)

[Chica Yeyé 41]

News just breaking, but Ted Stevens has just lost his Senate seat.

58 - 40 for Democrats (2 I's included).

and we all thank AJ's god -- he is as effective as Joe Pesci

[IAMX 3,055]

Here's the article:

http://www.adn.com/senateelection/story/593747.html

Democrat Mark Begich has defeated Republican Sen. Ted Stevens in the election for U.S. Senate.

The Anchorage mayor widened his lead to 3,724 votes in today's counting of absentee and questioned ballots. The only votes left to count are approximately 2,500 special absentees from people living outside the U.S. or in remote parts of Alaska with no polling place.

The state will count those final ballots on Nov. 25.

Begich issued a statement shortly before 5 p.m. claiming victory.

“I am humbled and honored to serve Alaska in the United States Senate,” Begich said. “It’s been an incredible journey getting to this point, and I appreciate the support and commitment of the thousands of Alaskans who have brought us to this day. I can’t wait to get to work fighting for Alaskan families.”

The Stevens campaign has made no comment.

Begich more than tripled his lead today after the state counted about 23,000 absentee and questioned ballots from Anchorage, Southeast Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak. The state finished counting from other parts of the Alaska last week.

The campaigns have talked about a possible recount in early December. But since the state moved to mostly machine counting, recent Alaska recounts have resulted in little change in the final tally.

Begich would be the first Democrat to represent Alaska in the U.S. Senate in nearly 30 years. His victory would also put the Democrats one step closer to their dream of having the 60 seats needed for a filibuster-proof majority in the U.S. Senate. To get 60 seats, the Democrats would also need Al Franken to beat Republican Sen. Norm Coleman in a Minnesota recount, and for Jim Martin to beat Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss in a Georgia runoff election.

For Alaskans, the more sweeping impact of today's count is the close of the "Uncle Ted" era. Stevens' run started not long after statehood, when Gov. Wally Hickel appointed him to the Senate in 1968. Stevens has never even had a close election since, often drawing just token opposition.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Palin has already ruled out the Senate.

Yes, Hillary has also ruled out anything other than her Senate career after she lost the primary and wasn't picked for the VP slot. What a difference a few weeks can make in politics.