ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Alaskans will have to wait a little while longer to find out if Senator Ted Stevens has been re-elected just days after becoming a convicted felon.

The Republican held a slim lead over Democrat Mark Begich with 96 percent of precincts voting.

More than 40,000 absentee ballots are yet to be counted. That must happen within 10 days of the election.

Stevens went home late Tuesday to get some sleep.

Spokesman Aaron Saunders says Stevens has never even remotely been in such a tight race since he became senator. But he says Stevens is cautiously optimistic about the outcome.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-05-08 0629CST | save this article / add to your favorites list