As of this post, it's been about nineteen hours since the Associated Press called the Alaska Senate race for Democrat Mark Begich, and we’ve heard not a peep from Sen. Ted Stevens. No defiant demand for a recount, no resigned statement about looking forward to private life -- no concession.
Hoping to get some word on the Senator's plans, Salon e-mailed a Stevens campaign spokesman. He has not yet responded.
Update: About ten minutes after this post was published, Stevens conceded. A Stevens aide e-mailed reporters this statement:
Given the number of ballots that remain to be counted, it is apparent the election has been decided and Mayor Begich has been elected.
My family and I wish to thank the thousands of Alaskans who stood by us and who supported my re-election. It was a tough fight that would not have been possible without the help of so many Alaskans -- people who I am honored to call my friends. I will always remember their thoughts, prayers, and encouragement.
I am proud of the campaign we ran and regret that the outcome was not what we had hoped for. I am deeply grateful to Alaskans for allowing me to serve them for 40 years in the U.S. Senate. It has been the greatest honor of my life to work with Alaskans of all political persuasions to make this state that we all love a better place.
I wish Mayor Begich and his family well. My staff and I stand willing to help him prepare for his new position.
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