U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, speaks to a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature as Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, left, and House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, listen in House chambers Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at the capitol in Juneau, Alaska. AP Photo logo AP Photo 7 months ago

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, speaks to a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature as Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, left, and House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, listen in House chambers Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at the capitol in Juneau, Alaska.