September 8, 2000. Copyright 2000. Graphic News. All rights reserved. 

BUSH, GORE Ð TOO CLOSE TO CALL 

LONDON, September 8, Graphic News: PRESIDENTIAL candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush are locked in a very close race, according to two new polls taken since the Labor Day holiday. 

Gore had 47 percent to 44 percent for Bush among likely voters in a CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll. Both candidates were tied at 47 percent in an ABC-Washington Post poll of likely voters. 

ÒPeople have got to understand itÕs going to be a tight race,Ó Bush said in Detroit amid reports that Republicans are growing nervous about his campaign. 

In the CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll, conducted September 4-6, Gore appears to have a slight edge. Among the pollÕs 777 likely voters, 47 percent said they plan to vote for Gore, the Democratic nominee for president, while 44 percent said they plan to cast ballots for GOP nominee Bush.  

The ABC-Washington Post poll shows Gore has opened up a 50-38 advantage on education, and has a slight edge on managing the economy and Social Security. Gore has double-digit leads on improving the health-care system and protecting the environment. Bush has an edge on holding down taxes and handling national defense. 

Data from Gallup polls show that ratings in the first weeks of September are vital. In ten of the last 12 elections over the past 50 years, the presidential candidate ahead in opinion polls between Labor Day and mid-September has gone on to win the election. 
/ENDS 
Sources: Associated Press, UPI, CNN