He heard arguments in much the same terms the two sides have used in public statements since the Florida dispute flared in the hours after the polls closed last week. Rogow and other Democratic lawyers disputed GOP claims that the hand counts could go on for weeks, saying they will almost certainly be complete by Friday. Overseas absentee ballots are due the same day, setting the stage for a potential climax to the political drama. The judge called the Republican arguments serious but turned them aside, saying it was a matter for the state, not federal, courts to decide. It was a blow to Gore, who initiated recounts in four predominantly Democratic counties.
Recounts are under way in at least two additional counties.
Within the hour, one of the four counties sued in state court for the right to complete its manual recount. Gore's lawyers joined the suit, accusing Harris of doing the bidding of Bush and his brother Jeb, the Florida governor. Bush's legal team joined in to defend Harris. Such politically charged rhetoric carried the day, with both sides struggling to control public opinion. Gore and Bush have been advised that there may come a time, shortly after the absentee ballots are counted this weekend, when the trailing candidate needs to concede or risk fallout from a public growing weary of the saga.