Stevens GOP Expulsion Vote Delayed

The GOP conference won't vote on Ted Stevens' expulsion today, pending the resolution of the Alaska count - which now favors his Democratic opponent Mark Begich.

South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, who has pushed hardest for Stevens' expulsion, says he has the votes to eject the Alaska Republican -- but will wait for the results from Anchorage, which could come as soon as today.

"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 released shortly after the 9:30 conference meeting began.

"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. For this reason, I will ask the Conference to postpone the vote on Senator Stevens until Thursday."

An smiling, upbeat Stephens walked into the Mansfield Room of the Capitol telling reporters he had "no idea" if he'd survive the day, adding that he wasn't nervous.

Asked what he'd tell his colleagues, Stevens, who was convicted on seven federal corruption counts last month, said: "the truth."

Stevens had reason to grin -- he knew the vote had been scrapped before entering the room, according to a GOP aide.

John McCain, who had called for Stevens to step down during the campaign, brushed wordlessly past reporters as he entered the meeting.

Glenn Thrush and Amie Parnes contributed this report.