Kerry Looks to Avoid Gore Recount Errors
"...Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites), bracing for a potential fight over election results, will not hesitate to declare victory Nov. 2 and defend it, advisers say. He also will be prepared to name a national security team before knowing whether he's secured the presidency.
...The Democratic vice president prematurely conceded the 2000 race to George W. Bush, then had to retract his concession after aides said Florida wasn't lost. He never declared victory, an omission Kerry's advisers -- many of whom worked for Gore -- now believe created a sense of inevitability in voters' minds about Bush's presidency.
...Not this time, promise Kerry's advisers. If there is doubt about the results, they will fight without delay.
...The first thing we will do is make sure everybody has an opportunity to vote and every vote is counted," said Kerry spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter. "We will be ready to hit the ground running and begin a fresh start in this country, given that so many critical issues are before us.
...The prospects for another contested election loom with every poll showing the race neck and neck.
...Aides say the transition process is behind schedule, but Kerry will be ready to name a national security team shortly after the election. They say he has candidates in mind, but is reluctant to discuss the transition while campaigning.
...The advisers spoke on condition of anonymity because Kerry wants the focus to be on his campaign for now.
...The plan to quickly name a national security team is partly practical (at a time of war, continuity is necessary) and political, aides said, because if there is another recount Kerry will want to show he's ready to take power.