Democrat Mark Begich projected as the winner in Alaska's U.S. Senate race

It looks like Ted Stevens' political career has finally come to an end.

Congratulations to Senator-elect Mark Begich, who will represent the Last Frontier on Capitol Hill for the next six years:

The Democratic Anchorage mayor widened his lead to 3,724 votes in today's counting of absentee and questioned ballots. The only votes left to count are approximately 2,500 special absentees from people living outside the U.S. or in remote parts of Alaska with no polling place.

The state will count those final ballots on Nov. 25.

Begich issued a statement just before 5 p.m. claiming victory, saying "I am humbled and honored to serve Alaska in the United States Senate."

Here's the rest of Begich's statement:

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. I can’t wait to get to work fighting for Alaskan families.

Stevens has not yet conceded the race, although Begich's campaign has noted the hour was late in Washington when these semi-final numbers came in. We'll see if Senator Tubes has anything to say about his apparent defeat tomorrow.

Begich will be the first Democrat to represent Alaska in the Senate in thirty years.