Election 2000: A Tightening Presidential, Senate and House Race

Strategic Insights -

The presidential election in the United States appears to be tightening, with the outcome in the House looking closer than ever before. According to recent polls, Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush has gained ground on Vice President Gore, with some surveys showing the race essentially even. In the House, there are fewer than two dozen seats too close to call, with eight Republican incumbents and nine open seats in the toss-up column.

Key Takeaways:

  • Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush has gained ground on Vice President Gore, with some surveys showing the race essentially even.
  • The House election is a photo finish, with fewer than two dozen seats too close to call, including eight Republican incumbents and nine open seats in the toss-up column.
  • In the Senate, Republicans have seen their position in two states deteriorate in recent days, while their fortunes improved in one state.
  • The length of the presidential campaign has affected Bush's ability to gain traction, but the nomination of Gore has been subject to media criticism, helping to close the gap.
  • The Democratic strategy has focused on key battleground states, and party efforts to take the White House back from Republicans are gaining momentum.
  • Despite the tightness, Republican campaigns are optimistic, with several campaigns starting to gain momentum.

Statistics:

  • A Gallup Organization tracking poll conducted for CNN and USA Today put Bush ahead of Gore by 1 point (47-44 percent) in their three-night track, released Monday.
  • The six-day track shows Gore ahead by 2 points (47-45 percent), while the nine-day track puts Gore's lead at 47-44 percent.
  • Bush has gained ground in recent days, with his movement reflected in longer period averages with larger sample sizes and smaller margins for error.
  • In the House, there are 17 Republican seats and 4 Democratic seats in play, with the majority leaning Republican.

Sources:

  • Gallup Organization
  • CNN
  • USA Today
  • CongressDaily
  • Lewis Carroll