Looks like the counting has again begun and that Begich may actually avoid a state-sponsored run-off after all (state pays if margin of victory is less than .5%, candidate has to pay if greater than .5%).
Of the 13,302 newly tabulated votes, Begich has won them 7,327 (55%) to 5,975 (45%).
Looking like victory is at hand. Actual numbers on the flip.
Begich, Mark 47% 146,286 DEM
Stevens, Ted 46% 143,912 REP
That makes for a margin of 2,374 which is .8%, higher than the threshold.
The Alaska Daily News reports that more numbers will be reported shortly. The count as of this morning (i.e., before this most recent release) was 138,959 for Begich to 137,937 for Stevens for a grand total of 13,302 new votes tabulated this afternoon.
Rough estimate is that there are about 12,000ish votes left to count, and Stevens will have to run 60 to 40 in the remainder to win. Considering the remaining votes are from counties that voted for Begich, this looks to be all over.
Wonder if they're going to call it tonight after 6:00 EST.
Would be a nice end to an otherwise craptastic day.