"It's after midnight in Miami," Gore noted. "The moon is over Miami, from
sea to shining to sea ... from coast to coast and border to border Americans
are coming together and making a very powerful decision."
Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Gore agree that Florida is pivotal. Earlier this week, an
Orlando television reporter asked the vice president about predictions that
whoever wins Florida will win the election. "Yes, I think that's right,"
Gore said.
"And I would further narrow the focus. If we win central
Florida, then we win the state and the election. There are other states that
are also playing a very important role. ... I will close out the campaign in
Florida because it really is playing that critical role."
Today in Miami he was more succinct. "Florida is the place where the
future is being born," Gore said.
As his voice faded into a raspy shout, Gore noted that there is "one day
every four years" when the voters can flex their power over lobbyists and
special interests. "That day is today: Election Day," Gore said.
Meanwhile, 1,600 miles to the north, the first two towns to vote in the
2000 presidential election gave Republican George W. Bush the
early lead. In a tradition started in 1948, the voters in the northern New
Hampshire community of Hart's Location cast their ballots just after
midnight and gave Bush 17 votes to 13 for Gore.
In Dixville Notch, Bush received 21 of the votes cast at the Balsam's
resort while Gore received five. Green Party candidate Ralph Nader got one
vote.
Bush arrived in Texas late Monday night and retired for the night, while
Gore headed for one last campaign stop in Tampa at about 4 a.m. before
returning to Tennessee to vote and watch returns.
Copyright 2000 by United Press International.
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