Day 35: A Summary

Developments Tuesday in the contested presidential election recount:

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COURTS

* In Washington, just after 7 p.m. PST, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Florida Supreme Court’s decision allowing a new recount of ballots, saying that varying standards for counting made the count unlawful. Dissenters in the 5-4 decision said the ruling could undermine the nation’s confidence in the courts.

* In Tallahassee, Fla., the Florida Supreme Court ruled that 25,000 absentee ballots challenged in two counties should count even though local election officials permitted Republican activists to add information to some ballot applications. The decisions preserved George W. Bush’s lead.

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FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

* In Tallahassee, Florida House lawmakers approved a resolution appointing 25 presidential electors loyal to Bush. The vote was 79-41, with two Democrats siding with Republicans. The Senate may pass similar legislation today.

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THE CANDIDATES

* In Austin, Texas, Bush stayed inside the governor’s mansion for the day and left reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court decision to advisor James A. Baker III. Speaking briefly in Tallahassee, Baker said Bush and running mate Dick Cheney were “very pleased and gratified” by the high court’s ruling.

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* Gore made a quick stop at the White House during the day but returned to his home Tuesday night. Gore campaign chairman Bill Daley said the campaign was analyzing the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision and would speak about it today.

Sources: Associated Press, Times staff