CNN

Gov. Sarah Palin cast her vote in Alaska and spoke to reporters.

WASILLA, Alaska (CNN) – The legal woes of Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, who was convicted of seven felonies last week, have posed a special dilemma for the state’s governor, Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, this the campaign season. Should she endorse the state’s seven-term senator, who has spent the past few months on trial for failing to report gifts on Senate forms, as required by law? Or signal her disapproval of the incumbent, and potentially give a boost to Democrat Mark Begich, whose party stands poised on the edge of a filibuster-proof Senate majority?

Democratic and Republican leadership in the Senate has made it clear Stevens won’t be welcomed back – but both Palin and Republican presidential nominee John McCain have been a bit more circumspect. Asked by reporters whether she cast her ballot for Stevens – who faces expulsion from the Senate if he is re-elected – Palin said she’d exercise her “right to privacy” and keep her vote to herself.

If Stevens claims victory Tuesday, and the Senate expels him as expected, the Alaska governor could be free to appoint any Republican she chose – including herself, if the GOP presidential ticket falls short – as a temporary replacement until a special election can be held.