In one of the closest races in our nation's history, voters chose Vice President Al Gore yesterday [November 7, 2000] over George W. Bush and Ralph Nader. The final vote was 48,900,828 for Gore (48.8%) to Bush's 48,725,474 (48.6%) in the final presidential race of the millenium. Nader finished a distant third at 2,662,077 (2.6%).
Political observers, however, expect George W. Bush to be selected by the Electoral College, a quaint political group left over from the days of the founding fathers. If the courts uphold their selection, Bush will become President of the United States despite voter preferences to the contrary.
At present [2:30 PM, Wednesday, November 9] Al Gore holds a small lead in the Electoral College. He has 260 votes pledged to him, while Bush has 246. A total of 270 votes are needed to win the election.
Based on preliminary results, George Bush will get 25 more electoral votes from his apparent win in Florida, which will provide him a narrow margin of victory. Under Florida law, a recount is now under way.
Meanwhile, in New York, Hillary Clinton was declared the victor in her Senate race within minutes of the polls closing in New York. The Democrats also picked up two other Senate seats, three House seats, and a governorship.
More details, including local results, coming soon.
Click here to review our pre-election coverage, including extensive reader commentary.
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The drive for a Crofton High School continues, as parents of elementary school children count the lead years required before a new facility can actually open. You may want to express your opinion, or sign the electronic petition.