Unswerving

In his bid for the presidency, Vice President Al Gore sent out letters to leading Democrats. “To win in 2000, I need you by my side,” the letter says. “Without your previous support, Bill Clinton and I would not have won our victories for the American people.” Gore concludes by asking recipients to join a “steering committee” to support his campaign. Among the letter’s addressees was Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush, son of the president and a possible contender for the White House himself. Gov. Bush plans to steer “a much different direction,” his spokeswoman said. (UPI) ...American presidential elections: a two-year competition for the title of back-seat driver.