Adding native son Joseph Lieberman to ticket gives Democrat the edge. State has voted for winner in every presidential election since 1948. Bush can't win presidency without this state, and Gore has evened up polls. Bush brother Jeb is governor. South tough for Gore.
Republicans say they've got a chance, but Democrats always do better here than polls show.
Republican and Democratic polls give him edge, though both campaigns spending millions. Internal polls on both sides show close race, but Democratic ground game in best shape. Democrats say they've closed ground with Gore's populist message, but tobacco and coal country rough on vice president. Clinton won state twice, but Bush is friendly neighbor from Texas. Home of Bush family retreat, but both campaigns say race is close.