If, at that time, Florida's votes are still in dispute and cannot be certified, there are a number of scenarios that could make Gore or Bush president. Florida's 25 electoral votes are key to both camps winning the 270 Electoral College votes needed to become president. Gore won the popular vote by a slim margin but it is the majority vote in the Electoral College that decides who becomes the next president. Though the focus of one of the most unusual and closest presidential elections had been on a tight race in Florida, a winner has still also not been declared in Oregon and New Mexico. New Mexico, at first given to Gore, was pulled back into the undecided column on Friday.
Recounts are possible in Iowa, Wisconsin and New Hampshire.
Gore has until 5 p.m. today to ask for recount in New Hampshire. Since vote totals began rolling in late Tuesday, both camps began the arduous political game of number crunching to see which candidate would come out ahead. With the election still in limbo, there are a number of scenarios that could give Bush or Gore the magic number needed to win the White House. To win, Bush picks up Wisconsin, Iowa, Oregon and New Mexico. To win, Bush must prevail in Wisconsin, Iowa and Oregon Bush wins, 271-267 Bush Loses Florida, Iowa Bush picks up Wisconsin, Oregon and New Mexico.