Washington - Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican ever in Congress' upper chamber, bid farewell Thursday to his colleagues following his narrow defeat in this month's election.

Stevens, 85, was up for re-election on November 4 despite being convicted a week earlier on criminal charges of hiding 250,000 dollars in gifts from an Alaska company.

Stevens has vowed to continue fighting the case, but conceded defeat to Democrat Mark Begich.

"I have really a difficult time today articulating my feelings," an emotional Stevens said. "I hope if I puddle up a little bit ... I'll be excused."

When Alaska's division of elections counted the last absentee ballots from the November 4 election, Begich was ahead by 3,724 votes in what had been until Tuesday one of three undecided elections in the Senate.

During his 40-year congressional career, Stevens had been known for steering billions of dollars in federal funds to his state. But he faced an uphill re-election bid after his conviction.

"I still see the day when I can remove the cloud that currently surrounds me," Stevens said.

Begich's victory brings the Democrats to within two seats of a 60- seat majority in the 100-member Senate, which would be enough to prevent the Republicans from holding a filibuster, a parliamentary tactic to delay or defeat legislation by preventing a vote through endless debate.

There are still two Senate races up in the air. In Georgia, Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss faces a runoff on December 2 against Democratic challenger Jim Martin. Former president Bill Clinton campaigned on Martin's behalf in the state on Wednesday.

In Minnesota, a recount was underway in the race between Republican Senator Norm Coleman, who was narrowly leading Democrat and well-known comedian Al Franken.