Senator Stevens
Falls, Giving Dems 58 Senate Seats

The longest-serving Republican in the history of the Senate, Ted Stevens of Alaska, has lost his seat in a recount that ended Tuesday with his opponent, Anchorage mayor Mark Begich, receiving 3,724 more votes than Stevens, reports the Associated Press.

Begich's win brings the Senate Democrats to 58 members in the 100-person chamber, just two seats shy of the 60 it takes to block filibusters in the Senate.

About 2,500 overseas ballots remain uncounted, less than the tally differential between the two candidates. Stevens did not concede the race Tuesday night, and he can request a recount if he posts the $15,000 to pay for it.

Stevens, who turned 85 Tuesday, was convicted of federal corruption charges last month for not reporting more than $250,000 he received in gifts and home renovations from an oil field services company. (The Advocate)