by Michael Olson

Rep. Don Young (R-AK) squeaked out a primary win over Palin-backed Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. After absentee ballots were counted, Young came out ahead by 304 votes. But before the final tally, the 35-year House veteran praised Palin during Tuesday's House energy debate. McCain is opposed to drilling in ANWR. Palin is not. Palin is going to "keep working on" McCain on the ANWR issue. Young has hope that Palin can do it:

"I'm convinced with her great personability and knowledge, she'll be able to convince [McCain to go] the right way" (APRN)

Considering that the alternative candidate would be Obama (who needs no convincing in his opposition to ANWR), Young's comments aren't exactly a surprise.

A recount is expected in the Young-Parnell contest for Alaska's At-Large seat. This could provide more cover for Palin to avoid pressure to support Young, who like other Alaska pols have a reputation for bringing home the bacon. Of course, if she really wanted to shake things up and cross the aisle she could always endorse the Democratic nominee, former House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz.

This morning NPR's Ken Rudin updated his call on the race from "Tossup" to "Leans Democratic." Rudin's take:

The Republicans' best shot at holding onto the seat is if a recount showed Parnell the winner.

UPDATE: Parnell conceded.