Here, the tie vote simply added to a tight Iowa race that gave Gore, by dint of about 5,000 votes, the state s seven electoral votes. Passions here are cooler than in the tropical South. There are no street demonstrations by supporters for the apparent loser demanding a new election. There are no opposition loyalists waving signs and urging the other side to shut up and go home. Here in the county seat of Tipton, where cold morning air leaves hoarfrost on the grass and winter seems just hours away, the election has become dark entertainment.
Most people don t appreciate it.
It s great entertainment. Stumbo said he couldn t fathom people questioning why Gore sought the Florida recount, and why Bush sued to stop it. Stumbo said as he folded a canvas dropcloth he had just pulled from a dryer. That s what we re here for. That s part of the entertainment.