Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) ducked out of a GOP conference meeting briefly and talked with reporters waiting outside. He said that he has not been asked to make any remarks and appeared confident and upbeat, flashing a smile. The image conflicted with his dour comments to the gathered reporters.

"I wouldn't wish what I'm going through on anyone--my worst enemy," he said. Asked if it hurt to go through today's ordeal on his birthday, he responded,...