I used to say, "The only thing certain in our elections are that they will end on time." Well, the election of 2000 tops them all. Not only is it still "too close to call," this election is unlikely to end on time. Let me explain why. It all centers on Washington state and a new election law it initiates this election.
The map of the Electoral College has two states left as tossups: Maine and Washington. If Vice President Al Gore wins either one, he hits the 270 votes needed to win the election, according to the hotline. If Texas Gov. George W. Bush wins them both, he ties Gore at 269.
Charlie Cook, the congressional electoral guru, says that although the Republicans are still in the lead to retain control of the Senate, recent events have reopened the window of opportunity for the Democrats. The Republicans need to retain Sen. Slade Gorton's seat in Washington, and he has been slipping.