WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Senate Republicans delayed a vote on whether to expel Ted Stevens of Alaska pending the outcome of his re-election bid, which Democrat Mark Begich won Tuesday.
Politico reported some Republicans wanted Stevens expelled from the GOP caucus because of his seven felony convictions on charges he failed to report gifts and work done on his home.
South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, has been one of the most vocal proponent of Stevens' expulsion.
"After talking with many of my colleagues, it's clear there are sufficient votes to pass the resolution regarding Senator Stevens," DeMint said in a statement. "The question now is timing. Some who support the resolution believe we should address this after the results of his election are confirmed in Alaska."
Stevens, the longest serving Republican senator, declined to comment on whether he will appeal his case, Politico reported.
"I'm still in the situation where there are still motions hanging, and everything else, on the trial. I'm not at liberty yet to talk about it, "he said. "We haven't filed an appeal yet. We haven't had the final motions of the trial. It won't be till February. It's a long process."
