Ted Stevens turns 85 today, and the GOP has voted to postpone a vote today that would boot Stevens from the GOP conference, until after the results of the Alaska Senate race are known. I guess that’s about as good a birthday present as the embattled Senator can expect this year.
As it stands, Democratic challenger Mark Begich leads Stevens by 1022 votes, a slim lead, but one prognosticators believe may be enough to hold through the last major round of vote counting today. 24,000 votes will be tallied by this evening, and the only ones remaining after that will be votes received from overseas, which will continue to be accepted until Wednesday. Ballots must be postmarked by midnight on November 4th, and are allowed two weeks to arrive in Alaska.
One of the questions on everyone’s mind is what happens when the current administration leaves office? The number of individuals on the list of last-minute pardons to come can only be imagined at this point. Will Stevens be one of those on that list? Not according to Stevens himself who was asked if he would seek a pardon.
Stevens simply said “No” when asked about a Bush pardon, and bristled when a reporter asked if he expected to be expelled as a political liability to Republicans battling an image of corruption.
“That’s just your words,” he said. “As a matter of fact, when the indictment was announced, they said it was not a corruption case, it was not a bribery case. It was a simple matter of failing to disclose. Maybe some of the verbiage that you are using is not proper.”
Senate Republicans are meeting to determine their leadership and a variety of motions. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) had intended to offer a motion expelling Stevens from the conference, but postponed it until Thursday just minutes after Tuesday morning’s meeting began.
“I don’t like to use the word ‘pleased,’ but I’m happy with that,” Stevens said of the delay.
Stevens said his race in Alaska won’t be final until Nov. 25, and that he remains confident of victory. He is currently trailing Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich (D) by more than 1,000 votes.
“I still think I’m going to win,” he said.
Stevens said he expects the Republican Party will ask for a recount in the race, given the narrow margin.
So, that’s the word from Ted Stevens who is one tough nut, and cantankerous to the end. No asking for a pardon (at least not officially), and a probable recount. The bad news is that this election will seemingly never end. The good news is that a hand recount will potentially expose some election “abnormalities” that are a result of the unreliable and easily manipulated Diebold machines responsible for the vote tally that was tampered with in 2004, and that continue to be used to this day.
And the ride goes on.
UPDATE – First new results in!
Mark Begich – 146,286
Ted Stevens – 143,912
That gives Begich a comfortable lead of 2,374
*****************************************************
UPDATE #2: Finall tally for the day has Mark Begich up by 3724! Will Stevens concede? Will Begich declare victory? Will we have a recount? Stay tuned!
Mudflats 
I really hope it doesn’t go to a recount. I couldn’t bear the wait.
Yaay, says I quietly. Numero uno.
bye bye Ted.Happy trails to Girdwood
Yes, I saw it was Uncle Ted’s 85th Birthday today in my hometown paper.
Meh…
Will they be through counting this week then? I wouldn’t think too many more ballots could be received between today and tomorrow. You’re right; this really does seem like an endless election. The Franken/Coleman race is almost as exhausting, but at least Coleman isn’t a convicted felon. I’ve rarely been this fascinated by a Senate race outside my own state. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Begich will hold on to his lead.
Stevens said he expects the Republican Party will ask for a recount in the race, given the narrow margin.
No, only if you lose Ted.
Ted thinks the repugs are going to pay for a recount and then expel him?!!!
If the margin falls within the .5% range, the state will pay for the recount. AKM
I was trying to explain to my husband this morning why the Alaskan vote count is taking so long. I’m not sure I quite understand it myself.
Is it like this every time? Do we only notice this time because it’s a close race?
@Deep Blue in VA (11:24:46) :
It’s because of a number of factors–large numbers of early and absentee ballots (with ones that came in 31 Oct.-3 Nov. not being counted till after the names were double checked to make sure the people didn’t vote twice), amount of time allowed for absentee ballots mailed by 4 Nov. to arrive (from in the US by 14 Nov., from overseas by 19 Nov.), distance/weather/other issues connected with having to fly ballots in to central locations for counting/recounting, any number of other things. Is that helpful?
Irishgirl,
I know the wait is grueling, but it has brought the Alaskan senate race to national awareness. (or maybe I’m just in a selective perception mode being a mud puppy and all. ) I can’t recall on which channels, but I’ve seen Begich’s photo several times in the last few days. He has such a nice looking face. Won’t it be ironic that he will be the youth and beauty that the lower 48 associates with Alaska and not SWWNBN? Ciao!
BS: If Stevens thinks he needs a pardon, he will absolutely take it from Bush if given, and then blame the Feds for persecuting him in the first place. The GOP knows no shame.
mmboucher (Florida) (11:00:04) :
Ted thinks the repugs are going to pay for a recount and then expel him?!!!
If the margin falls within the .5% range, the state will pay for the recount. AKM
But, I think if it’s .5-3%, he can still ask for a recount but will have to pay for it, and I understand it’s very expensive – don’t know if that would come out of his own pocket or other people’s, if you know what I mean . . .
peter d (10:59:51) :
HaHaHa!!
I think the repubs would only ask for a recount if convicTED WINS!!!
Honestly, I think that a recount is close to inevitable. It’s just so close. It’s going to be an eye-opener for the population of Alaska just how bad the Diebold machines are at counting!
Ted Stevens should remember that there is a judge just waiting to sentence him; Ted needs all of the good will he can get. He should do the right thing and concede the election. Begich is very strong in the areas whose votes haven’t been counted yet. The chance that Stevens could pull off a win are almost nil. (That is unless the results are “fixed.”) Do the right thing Ted-concede!
“they said it was not a corruption case, it was not a bribery case. It was a simple matter of failing to disclose. Maybe some of the verbiage that you are using is not proper.”
Now wait a minute. Did HE say this or did SHE?
“… they said it was not a corruption case, it was not a bribery case. It was a simple matter of failing to disclose.” Uncle Ted
Is he just splitting hairs here? What were the exact counts? The accounts that I have read just say “felonies”.
I know that felonies are no big deal to Gops as we have witnessed from Sarah.
This from the LA Times, Oct 28:
“Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, also appeared to distance herself from her home-state lawmaker, using the conviction as an opportunity to trumpet her own anti-corruption credentials.”
Anti-corruption credentials??
Peace
InJuneau:
Thanks for the explanation. Yes, that does clear it up.
We are all on pins and needles! I can’t believe the political season we’ve had…
Well, good night all. I’ll be up and back in about 10 hours to make coffee and serve pie in the Night Kitchen…
I’m waiting to see him in a striped jumpsuit. Happy Birthday, Mr. New Clothes!
I vote for the hand recount. We need a reality check.
nite jamie
i vote on a hand count also….
Off Topic – here’s an article on Huffington Post re: Sarah – Half-Baked in Alaska: Palin’s 11th Hour “Troopergate” Exoneration Was a Lie
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/geoffrey-dunn/half-baked-in-alaska-pali_b_144132.html
The delay was predictable. And, given Harry Reid’s lack of courage in pushing for the removal of Joe Lieberman from the Democratic leadership, you can bet that even if Stevens makes it back to the Senate that no one, especially not the leadership, is going to do a darn thing about Stevens.
I believe (as an old coot myself) that there should be a cut off age for our legislators (senators, representatives, even presidents, etc.).
It’s a scientific fact that a certain percentage of our brain function starts declining after the years pile up.
Wouldn’t 85 be a good place to retire Uncle Ted?
Go with some grace & what little dignity you have left.
sauerkraut aka Road Apples Palin (12:43:08) :
I think the Republican conference, unlike the Dems with Lieberman, will have to do something; Stevens has been convicted of a felony (or plural?) and if upheld, he may serve time in prison. Lieberman was stupid/short-sighted by actively supporting McCain. If the Republicans do nothing, they will be seen as supporting criminals- and the connection to corruption (Tom DeLay et al) will continue.
Not a good way to gain voters…
AHiredGun (11:35:17) :
BS: If Stevens thinks he needs a pardon, he will absolutely take it from Bush if given, and then blame the Feds for persecuting him in the first place. The GOP knows no shame.
If Stevens asks for/accepts a pardon, it would be an admittance of guilt, and he has vehemently proclaimed his innocence. And I can’t see him resigning- he will have to be booted out, kicking and screaming…if he could, I can see him protesting a recount if it isn’t in his favor.
(Is he a troll?)
CO Almost–Yeah, I agree with you totally.
When BHO basically said to Harry Reid, “Don’t whack Joe L on my account,” Joe got a pass. It makes them look magnanimous. I’m not totally thrilled but I can completely understand why they did it. It was a “family matter,” breaking party ranks.
Uncle ConvicTED is a different kettle of fish (take your pick, salmon or halibut :’ )).
In the eyes of the law, he’s a felon. I’m sure most people in this country would not be happy with the idea of a convicted felon representing them. His continued presence in the Senate would be embarrassing for his party.
I have a funny feeling a bunch of them are rooting for Begnich so they don’t have to go through the strain of voting him out. If he had any class, he’d resign quietly, but I seriously don’t see that happening.
US SENATOR
Total
Number of Precincts 438
Precincts Reporting 438 100.0 %
Times Counted 311954/495731 62.9 %
Total Votes 307587
Begich, Mark DEM 146286 47.56%
Bird, Bob AI 12829 4.17%
Gianoutsos, Ted NA 1334 0.43%
Haase, Fredrick D. LIB 2398 0.78%
Stevens, Ted REP 143912 46.79%
Write-in Votes 828 0.27%
That gives Mark a lead of 2374
Montana Born (11:32:02) :
Irishgirl,
I know the wait is grueling, but it has brought the Alaskan senate race to national awareness. (or maybe I’m just in a selective perception mode being a mud puppy and all. ) I can’t recall on which channels, but I’ve seen Begich’s photo several times in the last few days. He has such a nice looking face. Won’t it be ironic that he will be the youth and beauty that the lower 48 associates with Alaska and not SWWNBN? Ciao!
——————————————
You are right. Little did I think 6 months ago that I would have been waiting anxiously in Dublin for the results of an Alaskan senate race! It hasn’t just gone national, it has gone international. 🙂
@Suchanut,
I’d like to see a hand recount too, also.
@Jamie,
I’ll be waiting for the coffee and the pie in the Night Kitchen!
New numbers are up: Begich leads by 2374 now.
So if Begich holds on to that, it seems Stevens may not be able to ask for a recount unless he pays for it himself.
Not sure if they are done counting but with a lead of 2374 there will be no recount
Well Stevens could pay for a recount if he wanted
Scott Palin-
OT also: I thought you’d appreciate this, also from huffpo:)
The president-elect’s stubborn insistence on using complete sentences has already attracted a rebuke from one of his harshest critics, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.
“Talking with complete sentences there and also too talking in a way that ordinary Americans like Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder can’t really do there, I think needing to do that isn’t tapping into what Americans are needing also,” she said.
MN started Senate recount today, but Voting Commission panel will consider dealing with absentee ballots that have errors next week.
CNN/Cafferty: stated that Stevens was convicted of seven felonies…
Starting to look good then?
mudslide pike (13:10:40) :
Yahoo! And shoeho- I think the Repubs are cheering also (not doing the happy dance yet, but close)
Yay Begich!
Don’t let that door hit your botty on the way out convicTED.
Shannyn Moore has an interesting post about election integrity in Alaska.
@Irishgirl Rosebud. (13:20:55) :
Yup, I’d say that’s starting to look good. By my estimation, they’ve added about 30,691 votes to the total counted since the update last Thursday, which may be just about all they had to count today. There are prob. a few more left out there that can arrive till tomorrow, but my bet is we’re looking at a fairly close to the end total.
Just looking at the ADN for the Begich news and found this
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/134626
A new ethics complaint for SP.
CO Almost Native –
Thanks, there’s just so much out there right now…I’m starting to wonder where I will get a good laugh after she’s not in the news anymore.
Do I detect a withdrawl symptom?? I almost forgot, we have some more “gates” to finish up first.
I’m so glad that Stevens is not being re-elected! My faith in human nature is being restored!
Co Almost Native –
“OT also: I thought you’d appreciate this, also from huffpo:)
The president-elect’s stubborn insistence on using complete sentences has already attracted a rebuke from one of his harshest critics, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.
“Talking with complete sentences there and also too talking in a way that ordinary Americans like Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder can’t really do there, I think needing to do that isn’t tapping into what Americans are needing also,” she said.”
______
Do you have a reference/source? It’s just too good…!
looks good for Franken in Minnesota there are 34,000 votes for Pres that didn’t register a vote for Senate. With Begich locking up Alaska and the rerun in Georgia the Dems might make the magic 60. That would be nice if they had someone who could heard cats….. lol
Aeroentropy (13:36:19) :
Here it is:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/obamas-use-of-complete-se_b_144642.html
As a retired English teacher, I really got a snicker out of this. Ghief Shikago-
are you here? I need your translation services:)
@ InJuneau (13:30:23)
They initially counted 221,761 Senate votes; last Wed an additional 57, 076; last Fri an additional 14,508; so far today 14,242, with about 8,370 ballots (which may mean fewer actual votes) still to be counted, plus whatever overseas absentees come in by tomorrow.
@cph (13:42:20) :
Ah, I must have written down the numbers wrong last week. I was trying to interpret my notes to figure out how many more votes were reflected today since last Fri. Thanks.
OT, but still Alaskan:
I LOLed at this commentary on SP’s potential book:
http://www.236.com/news/2008/11/18/sarah_palin_getting_7m_to_prov_10302.php
CO Almost Native (13:41:28) :
Thanks –
As I suspected – funny, but Borowitz! I know the man (slightly) from college.
I’m loving the updated count in Alaska! (see update on original AKM post)
Can it be a win that is recount-proof as well?
Crossed fingers!
Guess it’s almost time to find that rubber ducky song for Uncle Ted. Don’t bend over to pick up the soap!!! DO NOT sleep on your stomach!!! DO NOT turn away from the wall Uncle Ted you might END UP with a BIG surprise… Sarah needs to pray that there is an outlet for Uncle Ted’s massage chair…. He is going to need it!!! Happy “B” day Uncle Ted…..ROTFLMAO
Mud Puppies-
I am still laughing from CNN’s Cafferty; he asked whether Ted Stevens should be kicked out of the Senate, and the responses he read were hilarious!
He should he used as lead dog on an Iditarod team
Must be the water in Alaska: they elected a convicted felon and Sarah Palin
The exact comments aren’t online yet, but should be in the next few hours-
cnn.com/Cafferty File
mudslide pike (13:57:56) :
LOL!
@Scott Palin (12:34:02) :
Off Topic – here’s an article on Huffington Post re: Sarah – Half-Baked in Alaska: Palin’s 11th Hour “Troopergate” Exoneration Was a Lie
~~
Along the same line:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-politics/20081118/Palin/
“Cold realities await Gov. Sarah Palin in Alaska”
“_TROOPERGATE AND THE CAMPAIGN:
The episode — and the media spotlight that resulted from Palin’s vice presidential nomination — drew attention to practices that simply can’t be ignored.
Palin’s administration routinely used private e-mail accounts for state business, circumventing public disclosure laws. “We will undoubtedly address that in some form of legislation,” said Democratic Sen. Hollis French, who oversaw the Troopergate investigation.
Lawmakers also said they could hold hearings on, and possibly restrict, Palin’s practice of charging the state for her children’s travel and taking per diem payments for nights spent in her Wasilla home.
Democratic Rep. Les Gara has — without luck — asked the Alaska State Troopers and the Palin’s appointed attorney general to investigate whether the McCain-Palin campaign urged anyone to ignore their subpoenas. Under state law, to “induce a witness to be absent” from an official proceeding to which they’ve been summoned is second-degree witness tampering.
But even Gara, a recently outspoken critic of Palin, said he doesn’t want such matters preoccupying the government.
“There are much more important things in this state than rehashing Troopergate,” Gara said. “We all have to sit down and let bygones be bygones, but it’s going to take some conversations.” ‘
I was disappointed by Les Gara’s comment, as SP must be taught a lesson – she needs to have her feet held to the fire.
The 236dotcom humor about palin’s “book” was pretty funny. I’m still giggling. The humorless palin supporter who wrote a comment is pretty funny too. Don’t these people know that humor is good for you?
I was listening to Dennis Leary talking about the future of political humor with no-drama Obama. He immediately brought up MIL moving in and said there is plenty of humor to go around.
Local newspaper editor writes another editorial praising Palin. I officially canceled my subscription in January 07 due to the partisan politics. Take a look…you’ll love the comments.
Here’s the link: http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/517136.html?nav=511
OT, but kudos to AKM:
Her previous thread is Huffington Post; I found it by clicking on “Palin” and the link is on the left side, but I think you can get to it other ways-
Very moving, and very sad; we have a lot of work to do, mud puppies…
Since SP backed Uncle Ted and ran a 527 for him in the past I am wondering what she has in the closet…
@WV Democrat —
Wow! Is the name of that paper an oxymoron, or what????
womanwithsardinecan (14:08:18) :
Dennis Leary may be right, but only in the beginning…the political humorists will come up with something:)
@Susie in Jersey —
I read that article too, and when I got to the Les Gara statement I was screaming inside! WTF!
Woo hoo. Looks like maybe it won’t have to go to a recount. I don’t think my nerves could handle another recount.
And if I hear another person say “let bygones be bygones” I think I will scream. All we are doing is continuing the environment created by the Bushies where people can lie, cheat, steal and break the law and then, instead of holding them accountable, we all say “let bygones be bygones”. Will we ever have a government that honors accountability? I am beginning to lose hope.
Wow! Nate Silver of fivethirtyeight.com has just called the Alaskan Senate seat for Begich!
@ SMR (14:21:03) :
Wow! Is the name of that paper an oxymoron, or what????
————————————————-
Yeppers! 🙂
I envy AKM for her McClatchy paper when all I can get is Ogden. 😦
I swear that Nate Silver is psychic or something. Or something. LOL. He said on Rachel’s show last night he predicted Begich to win by 3000-4000 votes ultimately.
Go 538!
Assuming the Begich lead as it was at the top of this thread holds or actually increases, I believe we are beyond the 5% mandatory recount. (Correct???)
AKM do you have any “feel” for whether Stevens would pursue a recount through the courts?
Here’s the link to the Steven’s comments:
http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/18/if-stevens-wins-should-the-senate-expel-him/#more-2596
If I’m not mistaken, Ted can ask for a recount. It’s automatic if it’s a margin of about 1,500 votes but if not he can still request one and he pays himself. At least that’s what I understand from hearing a report on NPR today.
Isn’t he appealing his conviction? So he could spin all this out for a while.
@NoCalGal (14:38:49) :
The automatic recount % is 0.5%, not 5%, so anything below an ~1600 vote difference would be paid for by the state. Anything over the magic 0.5% would only result in a recount if one or the other candidate or a group of 10+ voters requested it, and then the requestor would have to pay for the costs of the recount.
Gosh!!! Uncle Ted! I am now sure that he has no moral bone in him. Oh, wait. If you have one then you can’t be a Republican. I hope that he loses. And some election reform starts in AK.
Thank you Injuneau for the info and the math correction! 😉 I never was very good at numbers….
@NoCalGal (15:01:13) :
You’re welcome. If papers don’t put the “0” before the “.”, it can be difficult to tell that they mean 1/2% rather than 5%!
Remember how Palin said something about God having a hand in the election? For once, she was right. Alaska voting regulations have us all in thrall, and it seems to me all eyes on AK are a good thing for you folks up north. Secrets and strange doin’s may be a thing of the past now. . .
The gap between McCain and Obama is beginning to narrow:
November 4
McCain 61.29
Obama 35.96
November 18
McCain 59.77
Obama 37.54
Grandpa Stevens should be ashamed of himself. Men like him and their crooked ways are a black mark on this country. Shame.
@ Miss Sue you are right. But he feels that it is his “right” to have accepted it. He himself calls is ‘bribery’ as though that is not a crime.
Fantastic! Go Begich!
Ted Happy Birthday to you! Hope that vote count is a wonderful surprise.
I know not nice but his attitude is getting to me. He has been convicted. Guilty on 7 counts how hard is that to understand?
And only 8,000 votes left to count!!
Has anybody seen–my old friend Marty?
Thought I saw him walkin’ over that hill…
😦
Dianna,
I am going to attempt to find you in the forum.
InJuneau (14:53:37) :
Thank you; I wasn’t sure what Alaska’s rules were.
katek formerly cd (14:47:48) :
Stevens is planning on appealing, and that can take up to 18 months; I assume the Republicans are praying very hard he loses, because they will have to vote on expelling him if he wins- very bad PR to leave a convicted felon in the Senate.
Proud Community OrganizerWA (15:30:13) :
Uncle Ted has all kinds of reasons: stupid jury (of course, he was stupid to get on the stand and come across as grouchy and intelligent), don’t understand Alaskan politics, everybody “forgets” to disclose stuff on those complicated forms, testimony should haven been included/excluded, blah…blah…blah…
He does not want to give up being King for Life-
CO Almost Native,
“very bad PR to leave a convicted felon in the Senate.”
Morally bankrupt Ok though! 🙂
Stevens leaves door open on pardon after saying he would not seek one.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/stevens-leaves-door-open-on-pardon-after-saying-he-would-not-seek-one-2008-11-18.html
Dianna, I searched the forum and could not find you. Will try to catch you in a couple of hours. Gotta go fry green tomatoes. Oh, my gallbladder is hurting just thinking about it.
I was going to tell some Ram jokes I guess butting jokes are out of the question…heheheee
Proud Community OrganizerWA (15:41:29) :
LOL! You are soooo right.
mudslide pike (15:46:46) :
LOL at you, too:)
Sparkleball Lady (15:17:44) :
Perhaps we hear the sounds of a door closing? (Too bad it would only be for Uncle Ted)
Wahoo!
Happy Birthday Uncle Ted. I guess the mills of time do grind slow, but fine.
Ashes to ashes dust to dust.
WV Democrat (14:11:16) :
“But Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, derided in the media as a nitwit,”
It’s a typo, WV. Should be “Decided in the media as a nitwit”.
OT- way off topic, but while we are waiting for updated totals:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/17/glenn-beck-accosted-at-we_n_144411.html
What goes around, comes around…are you listening, SP?
halcrow (15:58:24):
I think both verbs are appropriate…
I am quite sure that along with Scooter Libby, Uncle Ted in on the top of the pardon list. A friend of mine has a theory that Bush pardons all his buds for any and all crimes convicted or not, indicted or not, and then on the last day steps down for Cheney to become Prez so as to pardon him for the same things. Gets everyone off the hook. ‘Course my neighbor seems to think Bush will declare martial law and stay in office. She’s planning on taking up arms on January 20th if that happens…
Begich ahead by 3600! Think that was Celtic Diva on the radio reporting that.
@empish (wasilla) (16:10:27) :
Really? Div. of Elections hasn’t updated since 12:39 pm, so it’s hard to tell where they are…
Way to go Begich! Way to go voters!
The 3600 vote lead was an unofficial report from Linda Kellen Biegel (Celtic Diva) who had just left from the Division of Elections. It was her best guess, and I’m sure it’s pretty close!
They’ve just “updated” the pdf file of results, but it looks like the numbers haven’t changed since 12:39 this afternoon:
Total Votes 307587
Begich, Mark DEM 146286 47.56%
Bird, Bob AI 12829 4.17%
Gianoutsos, Ted NA 1334 0.43%
Haase, Fredrick D. LIB 2398 0.78%
Stevens, Ted REP 143912 46.79%
Write-in Votes 828 0.27%
US SENATOR
Total
Number of Precincts 438
Precincts Reporting 438 100.0 %
Times Counted 320166/495731 64.6 %
Total Votes 315573
Begich, Mark DEM 150728 47.76%
Bird, Bob AI 13113 4.16%
Gianoutsos, Ted NA 1375 0.44%
Haase, Fredrick D. LIB 2482 0.79%
Stevens, Ted REP 147004 46.58%
Write-in Votes 871 0.28%
Bedich by 3724 Just in!!!!
@injeneau
You just missed the update 🙂
Looks like another update at 04:18:17 PM
http://www.elections.alaska.gov/08general/data/results.htm
The lead is widening, fantastic!
From what I hear this is all there is except for a couple stragglers
guess things will be looking a little different from here on out….
How is Begich doing – need a quick easy answer.
BC-APNewsAlert
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens has lost his re-relection bid to Democrat Mark Begich.
AP-WS-11-18-08 2038EST
Begich has won?
Down goes Uncle Teddy!!!!
Really?
Irish Girl: Yepp!!!! It’s official.
YES! Race just called for Begich, HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY
Woo hooo!!!! 🙂
Stevens loses Alaska Senate race
Eds: APNewsNow. UPDATES with Stevens losing.
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD
Associated Press Writer
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens has lost his bid for a seventh term.
The longest-serving Republican in the history of the Senate trailed Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich by 3,724 votes after Tuesday’s count.
That’s an insurmountable lead with only about 2,500 overseas ballots left to be counted.
Stevens, who turned 85 Tuesday, also revealed that he will not ask President George W. Bush to give him a pardon for his seven felony convictions.
AP-WS-11-18-08 2041EST
Begich is up by 3724 at the final tally of the day!
Stevens has not yet conceded. Begich has not yet declared victory.
We do not know if there will be a recount.
But if this sticks, we have just sent a Democrat to the Senate for the first time in 30 years! 😀
Kicking up the mud in a BIG Happy Dance with Irishgirl Rosebud!!!!! YESSSSS
I hear the sweet voice of a lady singing!!!!!
@ akmuckraker – yeah, but with just 2,500 overseas ballots left, there’s no way he can come back.
I’ve got a question, maybe someone can answer. According to Ted, he is not ‘technically convicted’ because he hasn’t been sentenced yet.
The judge has not yet scheduled a sentencing date. Bush heads back to his tumbleweeds in January. So, in order for Bush to do a Scooter Libby and supply Ted with a pardon, doesn’t there have to be a conviction/sentence in place already for which to “pardon”?
I can’t see the judge being asked or agreeing to rush up on the sentencing date in time before Bush exits – just so convicTED can overrule that same judge’s decision. Am I missing something here? Thoughts please.
Just said on MSNBC, the AP has called the race for Begich!!!!!!!!! His lead is too big for a recount!!!! Uncle Ted, say GOODNIGHT!!!!
@ Dee – beat you to the punch. We got the news as soon as it hit.
Excellent news! Congratulations Alaska! A 3,724 vote lead!
Me anticipates new thread in 3, 2, 1 …
Way to go Senator Begich!!
I’m with you Mudslide pike.
Associated Press calls it for Begich!
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/STEVENS?SITE=AZTUC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, it bears repeating. If Teddy wants a recount, he’ll have to pay for it himself. Goodnight, SP.
O No, Say it ain’t so!!
All those doors closing, Sarah – what’ll ya do now?!?
Take the hint and go back to sports announcing, is my guess! 😀
Congratulations Alaska and all you mudflatters up there. Great job. What about Talkin’ Sarah? Guess it’s back to Plan C …
Msnbc.com is reporting that Stevens has lost re-election bid according to AP.
YAY Begich.. I am at work and just heard the news! Happy Birthday Ted. You Lose!
Well, it seems the ‘good guys’ have won, so I can get back to watching the Shiba Inu puppies on USTREAM. Night all and congrats!!!
My very greatest thanks to my wonderful new Alaskan friends.
Let’s hope that this is a new beginning for all of you. There are MAJOR issues you face, and that have been placed on the back burner for too long. I refer, specifically to travelable roads, running water, indoor plumbing and environmentally safe sewage disposal…these are not luxuries, as you well know.
It’s time for Alaskans to demand these things immediately, now that a major stinker is gone.
Joan aka Timber Challenge Palin (16:50:50) :
O No, Say it ain’t so!!
All those doors closing, Sarah – what’ll ya do now?!?
——————————————-
Just plow thro’ em!!
Throw momma from the train……….
@austintx – “Throw momma..! Hee Hee!!
Well done, Alaska! So proud to know you. This is the best news.
Hey Alaska,
Very best wishes from Ireland.
Congrats from Seattle Alaskans!
Job well done!
I couldn’t be happier for Alaskans everywhere!! Way to go!
Merry Christmas Alaska!!!!!!!
HAPPY dancing 🙂
The News stations are calling the race for BEGICH _ Stevens is OUT OUT OUT!!!!
Congratulations to Alaska! I have been watching this race and holding my breath so I can finally breathe again now that this door anyway has closed in Bible Spice’s face. Way to go brave Mudflatters! 🙂
WOW—what a long drawn out process!!!!!! Sarah—–you had better keep your day job!! Stock up on moose stew—-your time is coming!!
Ding Dong the bitch is dead! Go Begich!
IS THE FAT LADY SINGING ?
What a way to turn 85!
Eskimo Pies all around for everyone *cheers* LOL
so all Alaska needs to do now is get rid of Palin- Yeah!
http://www.buzzword101.com
YAY!!!! GO BEGICH!!!!
Ted Stevens will get
a nice birthday gift from Bush —
a certain pardon.
http://www.thehaikudiaries.wordpress.com
Happy Birthday, Uncle Ted. Hope ya like the gift! LOL
Just heard on CNN that Stevens lost. Jesse Jackson pointed out that this would make it impossible for Palin to run. First time I ever saw David Gurgen (sp) laugh out loud. Love it!!!!
Isn’t this amazing and wonderful!!!!
How great to be here in Mudflats Blog with Stevens out on his keester. *lol*
Hooray for Democracy that actually works! The best man won, obviously, instead of the convicted felon!
Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens defeated for re-election by Democrat Mark Begich, according to release from Begich’s campaign.
Mazeltov!!!
Yes, that’s what they’re saying on CNN, Begich wins.
Wheehee!
This contest demonstrates the importance of every single vote.
Alaskans have earned a good deal of respect around the world.
Now, if you can juss git shed of that Palin gal….
Done deal….Uncle Ted is out
http://www.adn.com/senateelection/story/593747.html
Alaska,,,,, Canada salutes you. Great job.
A toast is in order – To Mark Begich – and I even have a glass of wine in my hand!
Yes!! Doing the happy dance in western Pennsylvania. Now we need MN and GA.
I meant Uncle Teds wife…….I’m sorry- but she reminds me of ….well …….throw momma from the train………
So many congrats to your fine work AKM!
Ha!
And.
Ha!
Take THAT! Sarah Come Do Me Helmsley, Birthday Boy Teddie Set, Rush Limburger, Meg With-The-Eyebrows, Greta Van Suckeran, Billy Boy O’ Perve, Shamnity, E.D. Over The Hill, Retchen Gretchen, Doosie, Brother-Sister Buchanans ( weak chins and no visible thought indentations. )
Oh, Hell. The list is not endless as the Fourth Estate feebly tried to frame history and failed.
A notable minority.
So proud of you Mudflaters and fellow Alaskans who saw the light and voted in new Democratic Senate blood for yourselves. I hope this will result in your personal happiness as you see greater emphasis on education, healthcare, and a new sense of merger of Alaska in necessary and productive ways with the lower 48.
Do we really get to celebrate now? Is it really over? Any word from Steven’s camp? Haven’t seen/heard any yet…
AGH! I want to yell “yeehaw” so badly… but want to be SURE it’s really over…
Susie in NJ – “But even Gara, a recently outspoken critic of Palin, said he doesn’t want such matters preoccupying the government.”
__________________
Any citizen of Alaska, or groups of citizens, who wish or wishes government to pay attention need only file a writ of mandamus to compel the government to carry out its mandate. If part of that mandate includes forcing the state troopers to investigate the possibility of witness tampering or obstruction of justice by the mccain campaign, then that’s just how it is. Neither witness tampering nor obstruction of justice should ever be shrugged off just because it might inconvenience a few folks.
Woo-hoo. I hope with all my might that Teddy does not ask for a recall. It’s time to go, Stevens.
FOX News called it for Begich just now.
Ted’s a fool if he calls for a re-count. Wait. Ted’s just a fool.
Congratulations, Alaska!!! Now please pray for our run-off on 12/2/08 in hopes that we can grease the skids under the odious Saxby Chambliss. I can only hope that we down here in Georgia will do as well as y’all did.
Yessss Happy Dance
http://lee.org/reading/general/Hampsterdance/
Happy “B” day Uncle Ted
@mgpaquin
Reminds me of The Devil Went Down to Georgia
Charlie Daniels
Unfortunately, mudslide pike, Georgia bred this particular devil…. We’re sorry.
To whom it may concern:
Can someone please tell me how to contact the Govenor’s office? Everytime I try to contact Gov. Sarah, I get a mailbox is full. Perhaps someone has one of her private e-mail accounts where I can send her a direct proposal. Having produced television for over 23 years, there is little question in my mind, the Gov. and First Dude are a lock to be on “Dancing With The Stars” now that the 7-time convicted felon is on his way across the bridge to “nowhere” and out of the U. S. Senate. Contact me and “I’ll get back to ya…you betcha…”
repubs go back to your caves, there’s a new party in town! Mark-congrats!
Problem with Charlie Daniels is that he is a rabid schill/singer for the right……..er ….WRONG!!
Texas salutes you tonight, Alaska!! WhooHooo! You’ve done a great thing! Hopefully, Uncle Ted will see there is only folly in a recount. Even a cooked up recount and a wishful overturn of his conviction would result in his expulsion. I hope he leaves things alone, concedes gracefully tonight or tomorrow and leaves you wonderful Alaskan voters to savor your victory.
2 more to 60! =]
Congratulations to Alaska and Mark Begich!
Congrats to all Alaskans! What a great birthday present for Ted!
Here’s info on the pardon process. Better get crackin’ Ted, the application is 23 pages long!
http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/pardon_instructions.htm
If it can happen in AK, it can happen in MN. Jon Stewart did a hilarious send up of the song, The Devil Went Down to Georgia last night on The Daily Show. Check out the link.
http://www.thedailyshow.com
Congratulations, Alaska.
Tes, as a parting gift of coffin nails for the Republican party…please do call for a recount.
It would ne wonderful to consogn the Diebold machines to the scrap heap where they belong, and the backlash from the recount might make the registration and voting process honest.
It’s not too hard:
One person = one registration.
One registered voter = one vote.
One voter’s vote = one vote, and tallied exactly as the voter voted it.
Ooops. Tes = Ted
YYYAAAAAAAA……alaska just got bluer………….
halcrow, yes, that would be a reason for a recount. You would think it wouldn’t be that hard to get the one registered person, one vote thing down in supposedly the greatest country on earth.
Ok, I’m in for a recount if only to ferret out the voting irregularities of the Diebold machine.
Who knows who will win? But I don’t understand the big fuss about ethics in the Senate.
They did not expel Ted Kennedy. Why expect them to expel anyone else now? The rules have been established.
Congratulations, Alaska! You’ve worked hard for this.
Lana, KY (17:09:39) :
IS THE FAT LADY SINGING ?
________________________________________________________________________
Lana this one is! Wahoo!
Kath (16:45:17) :
Slow on the trigger, but remember that Ford Pardoned Nixon before he was indicted on any charges so I do not think there would be any problem with Bush Pardoning Ted – and I suppose if we put the emotion of the moment away, it would probably be the right thing to do – to put the old man out to pasture. I have to believe there must have been a day when he was doing it for Alaska’s best interest (I hope).
Kath (16:45:17) :
I’ve got a question, maybe someone can answer. According to Ted, he is not ‘technically convicted’ because he hasn’t been sentenced yet.
___________________________
Under federal rules and legal definitions, once the jury has spoken, a man is either convicted or acquitted. In the case of Ted Stevens, he is and remains a convicted felon unless (or until) an appeals court overturns the conviction.
My birthday tribute song for Uncle ConvicTed:
Oh, and when did we go from quilts to little gremlins??
Not that I don’t like mine… I am kind of partial to puke green. Truly.
Ted Stevens needs to realize that he doesn’t get to decide if he’s convicted or not. Nice birthday song for Teddy, Bea. I think you might be mud gremlins (in your avatars); it’s hard for me to tell.
Bill Briggs – “They did not expel Ted Kennedy. Why expect them to expel anyone else now? The rules have been established.”
___________
I am sorry to be so dense, Bill, but when was Ted Kennedy convicted of a felony, let alone 7 felonies??
sauer kraut, that was my thought as well. I don’t think he was ever convicted of anything. Let me go see.
Forgive me, he was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident, but it was suspended, so the analogy has no legs.
Finally, Alaska says “no” to corruption and joins the tide of bringing painting the country blue. Great job for the 49th state to join the union!
@ BigSlick YES WE CAN! Clamp Noodle Palin (17:44:27) :
FOX News called it for Begich just now.
Ted’s a fool if he calls for a re-count. Wait. Ted’s just a fool.
———————————————
And what’s worse than an “old fool?”
Happy Birthday?
@ waxman (18:20:18) :
and
@ sauer kraut (18:21:44) :
Thank you BOTH for the responses! This pardon question has been bugging me for weeks.
waxman’s comment: “remember that Ford Pardoned Nixon before he was indicted on any charges so I do not think there would be any problem with Bush Pardoning Ted”
No, I was young at the time, probably 19 and too young to care much about politics at the time. But that makes some sense, will need to pull up some reading matl now because it’s an interesting point. Again, my thanks!
@ waxman (18:20:18) : “- and I suppose if we put the emotion of the moment away, it would probably be the right thing to do – to put the old man out to pasture.”
I think most people don’t really wish to see Ted in jail – who wants to think of an elderly man go through that? Perhaps an electronic ankle bracelet while he resides in his ‘chalet’ would be more appropriate than a facility. I think the judge has been pretty empathetic with the “pep talk” for cranky Juror #?9? plus how he handled the Juror who bailed for the dying Dad (err, race track).
But if Bush supplies Ted a pardon, it would probably be the ‘icing on the cake’ in many peoples’ view that Bush is the Worst President in History. As long as these convictions provided the end to Ted’s election, that in itself was a much needed penalty IMO.
Congratulations Alaska and Senator Begich!
Kinda’ OT, but I think Teddy gave us a hint on how to handle PDOTN:
““That’s just your words … Maybe some of the verbiage that you are using is not proper.”