Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) told reporters on Friday that he is "depressed" over his failure to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to development, and that he is seriously considering retirement if he doesn't succeed.

Stevens said he was suffering from "clinical depression" but later told Alaska reporters that he has not been diagnosed with anything nor is he taking medication. He said his personal physician told him to take more time off from work.

Stevens and other Republicans hope they can authorize drilling in ANWR by including it in the "must pass" budget resolution. A House leader has not agreed to do the same.

Inupiat Eskimos who live and own land in ANWR support oil and gas drilling. Members of the Gwich'in Nation, who depend on caribou in the refuge, oppose development.

Get the Story:
Showdown in Congress over Oil Drilling in Arctic Refuge (Voice of America 3/14)
Stevens Wages His Best Shot to Open Arctic Refuge (The Washington Post 3/14)
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Struggle to open ANWR leaves Stevens 'depressed' (The Anchorage Daily News 3/12)
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Stevens mulls retirement if ANWR fails (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 3/12)

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