So reports CNN. At a minimum, it would appear that Begich is claiming victory.
Update: The AP has called it: Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens loses re-election bid
Tuesday’s tally of just over 24,000 absentee and other ballots gave Begich 146,286, or 47.56 percent, to 143,912, or 46.76 percent, for Stevens.
The story notes that a recount is possible.
This leaves the Minnesota seat, which Coleman appears to be winning and the Georgia run-off in a few weeks, where one expects that Chambliss would be the favorite. As such, the Democrats appear likely to end up with probably 58 seats, although possibly 59.
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November 19th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Less if you exclude the independents, although since they are democrats 99% of the time I guess it makes sense to tally them as such.
They do break with the democratic party from time to time, though, and probably couldn’t be counted on 100% of the time to vote cloture; I think the democrats will probably end up with a “reliable” 56 seats, and a “most of the time” 58 seats, assuming Coleman is able to hold the line in MN.
Chambliss should win handily in the run-off.