AP: Nader Less of a Factor in 2004 Election

[Bossy Monkey]

Ya think???!!!

Nov 2, 9:57 PM EST

Nader Less of a Factor in 2004 Election

By SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ralph Nader was less of a factor this year than in 2000, when many Democrats blamed him for costing Al Gore the election, early returns showed Tuesday. The independent presidential candidate was drawing about 0.5 percent of the vote in Florida with more than half the returns counted. By contrast, he won about 2 percent - more than 97,000 votes - in Florida four years ago. Democrats believe most of those votes would have gone to Gore, who lost the state and the election to George W. Bush by 537 votes.

In Kentucky, where Nader won 2 percent of the vote in 2000, he was drawing about 0.5 percent on Tuesday.

Nader was on the ballot in 34 states this year, including at least a half-dozen battleground states where Democrats feared his presence could tip the balance in another razor-thin presidential contest.

Nader planned to address supporters late Tuesday at a gathering in Washington, after wrapping up a campaign in which he pledged to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, provide universal health care and boost the minimum wage.

(more)
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ELN_NADER?SITE=SCCOL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

I post not because this is going to be a news flash or anything, but mainly so folks can let off a little steam against the ol' carbuncle. And of course some folks may be interested in reading the story.