`Hot dog!': Florida election officials relieved

Some reaction to Tuesday night's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning a Florida Supreme Court decision allowing recounts of the presidential election in Florida: <br><br>``The Democratic Party

Tuesday, December 12th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Some reaction to Tuesday night's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning a Florida Supreme Court decision allowing recounts of the presidential election in Florida:

``The Democratic Party does not think Al Gore needs to concede. This is his decision to make. We stand united behind him.'' _ Joe Andrew, chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

``It seems to me that, in fact, this is a conclusive decision by a 5-4 vote saying that equal protection has been violated, and the majority five think there is no possible remedy for them to have a recount in the time that's left.'' _ Ed Rendell, general chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

``I thought, `Hot dog! This is it.'' _ Kay Clem, Indian River County (Fla.) election supervisor.

``What is remaining is for Al Gore and Joe Lieberman to realize that there isn't a crack left in the door for them to put their foot in. I'm really glad, as a lot of people are, that we're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.'' _ Massachusetts Republican Party Chairman and State Rep. Brian M. Cresta.

``As nothing in this election has been cut and dried, I'll have my attorney look this over in the morning. The election has lasted five weeks. It's kind of nice to see that there may be some closure to this.'' _ Marilyn Gerkin, Sarasota County (Fla.) election supervisor.

``I do think millions of Americans will come away from the process and from the court's decision ... with a feeling that one of the last refuges of true nonpartisanship in American life may no longer be as nonpartisan as we thought it might be.'' _ Steve Grossman, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

``The campaign, election, debates, recounts and legal proceedings are over. The highest court in our nation has spoken and the rule of law must now prevail. It is time for our country to move forward to a new presidential administration.'' _ Raymond L. Llynn, the former Democratic mayor of Boston who endorsed George W. Bush for president.

``It could be that I'm really tired but I just don't have a reaction. Maybe all my surprises are used up.'' _ Gwen Chandler, Okechobee County (Fla.) elections supervisor.

``I can't see where there is anywhere left to move. If you don't have a recount it's hard to receive any more votes.'' _ Sen. Robert Torricelli, D-N.J., on CBS' ``The Early Show.''

``This is something that Al Gore has to speak to. His speech is going to be the most important speech of his life, not just for himself but for the country. What he says will set the tone for the next four years.'' _ Sen. John Breaux, D-La., on NBC's ``Today'' show.

``If legitimacy comes from consent of the governed, (Bush) did not get that. We have a difficulty certifying this on moral grounds.'' _ the Rev. Jesse Jackson on NBC's ``Today'' show.