November 19, 2008

Ted Stevens' career ends in disgrace

Corrupt Republican senator Ted Stevens has been defeated by Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich in a close senatorial race in Alaska.

Stevens, still under investigation for corruption and taking bribes in the seafood industry, lost the election by over 3,700 votes.

With 100 percent of Alaska's precincts reporting, Begich, the mayor of Anchorage, had roughly 48 percent of the vote, compared with about 47 percent for Stevens, according to CNN's latest tally.

He bested Stevens by 3,724 votes. Alaska Elections Director Gail Fenumiai said that 2,500 overseas ballots remain to be counted.

The full results will be certified during the week of December 1.

A recount could take place, however, if the vote difference between Begich and Stevens is less than 0.5 percent. Stevens could also ask for a recount, regardless of the difference, if he pays for it himself.

Ted Stevens was convicted of 7 felonies in October for filing false statements on his Senate financial disclosure forms.