Gore Inches Into Spotlight

Former Vice President Al Gore attended his first campaign-style political event since his narrow loss in the presidential election, brushing aside questions about whether he would run again.

Gore made brief remarks at a rally to help Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton win a third term, repeatedly mentioning his razor-thin defeat to George W. Bush last year.

"My attitude is you win some, you lose some, and then there's that little-known third category," Gore said.

Gore also made a tacit reference to the downturn in the economy that has coincided with Bush's first months in office.

"You'll remember last year there was talk from people who said, `Well, you know, the country's headed in the right direction. Things are going well.' What are they saying now? Think about that when you think about this city moving in the right direction."

When supporters and Sayles Belton donors shouted, "Run for president," Gore held up his hand to quiet them. "I wasn't begging for that response, I really don't know," he said.

Sayles Belton must be among the top two vote-getters to advance to November's general election. She has three serious rivals, two fellow Democrats and an independent.

By BRIAN BAKST
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