Alaska GOP calls for special Senate race

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, April 2 (UPI) -- The Alaska Republican Party said U.S. Sen. Mark Begich should resign so former Sen. Ted Stevens can have a chance to win back his seat in a special election.

In a statement posted on its Web site, the Alaska GOP said the "only reason" Begich -- the former Anchorage mayor -- won his Senate seat in November is because some voters believed Stevens was corrupt.

Stevens was convicted on seven felony counts, but the U.S. Justice Department said this week it was dropping its case against the Republican amid prosecutorial misconduct.

"We'll look forward to the complete story presenting itself and clearing Senator Stevens' name," said Alaska Republican Party Chairman Randy Ruedrich.