But a funny thing happened on the way to Cincinnati.
Republicans fervently hope so.
Team Bush was quick to dismiss the latest Tennessee two-step as another sign of chaos within the Gore operation, perhaps the forerunner of a new New Al Gore. But Republicans shouldn't get too gleeful about Coelho's departure. It may be the best thing that has happened to Gore all year. He has alienated many of Gore's oldest friends by removing them from the campaign operation. Coelho had resigned from Congress in 1989 amid an ethics investigation.