This almost assures that this will be +1 to the Dems in the Senate. Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich is the presumptive Democratic nominee, and he's already leading in a lot of polls over Stevens. Stevens will be the nominee unless he drops out BEFORE the primary. After the primary Republicans cannot change the nominee if he were to resign. Governor Palin could appoint another Republican to fill the void and then hope for them to retain the seat in November, but there's been some corruption issues amongst the top-tier Republicans in the state. The Lt Governor is Republican, but he is running for the House seat. So all-in-all, its a goofy situation going on in Alaskan politics right now.