Flickr Creative Commons by Jim Greenhill

Alaska

A belated happy 85th birthday wish to our “favorite” convicted felon and now former senator of Alaska, Uncle Ted Stevens. We can’t believe 40 years in the Senate have gone by so quickly. As reported yesterday, Ted Stevens lost to Democratic mayor of Anchorage, Mark Begich. Belgich widened his lead to 3,724 votes and there is zero chance for a Stevens comeback with only 2,500 overseas ballots left to be counted. Senator-elect Begich, in a statement said, "I am humbled and honored to serve Alaska in the United States Senate. It's been an incredible journey getting to this point, and I appreciate the support and commitment of the thousands of Alaskans who have brought us to this day."

So goodbye Uncle Ted. We'll waiting on that commuted jail sentence and latter-day Bush pardon.

Minnesota

Today, 87 counties in Minnesota will begin the recount between Republican incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman and challenger, Democrat Al Franken for the Senate begins. Coleman is only leading by 206 votes. Franken is making the rounds in Washington today to raise money for the recount.

Georgia

Early voting begins today in the runoff election between Republican incumbent Sen. Saxby Chambliss and Democrat Jim Martin. If you are voting absentee, your ballot by mail can requested through Nov. 26 and must be returned by the time polls close at 7 p.m. Dec. 2.

Senate Seat Count

Democrats hold 58 senate seats

In other news

Happy World Toilet Day! A non-profit organization in Singapore called The World Toilet Organization has declared November 19 World Toilet Day, which rises awareness of sanitation issues.