And higher gas prices could spread throughout the economy, adding to concern about inflation and ultimately raising fears of a recession. China's unusual relationship with Taiwan has also received considerable attention recently, and both Al Gore and George W. Bush will have to deal with questions about the United States' role if China makes an effort to change the current relationship between China and Taiwan. The ball is at the 50-yard line, meaning both candidates have about the same distance to go. The presidential election is really a series of state elections, with both Bush and Gore aiming for 270 electoral votes and the presidency. The presidential race really boils down to a fight in a dozen or so swing states.
Many states are already off the table.
George Bush wins Texas, most of the South and virtually all of the Mountain States. Al Gore wins most or all of New England, New York and California. The Electoral College action centers on the Great Lakes states, including Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania. A handful of other states look especially competitive, including Iowa, Kentucky, New Mexico and possibly Arkansas. Though the Reform nominee isn't likely to draw a sizable percentage this year, he could just draw enough votes in a state or two to change the election's outcome.