Voting in Florida¿s Democratic primary elections has been delayed by technical problems reminiscent of the debacle which occurred during the 2000 Presidential elections.
Former US Attorney General Janet Reno's battle for the Democratic nomination for Florida governor was too close to call this evening after problems with the state's new election system led to delayed votes and confusion.
Reno was narrowly trailing lawyer Bill McBride. With 97% of precincts reporting, McBride had 596,472 votes to Reno's 577,380.
Prospects for a quick resolution dimmed when several counties suspended counting overnight.
A new $21 million election system put in place after the 2000 presidential debacle failed miserably on its debut: Ballots jammed, machines malfunctioned and Governor Jeb Bush - who will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November - ordered polls to stay open late.
Reno, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease, remained in striking distance as South Florida counties where she held a better than 2-to-1 margin still counted votes.
Her once-commanding lead in polls had vanished by Tuesday as McBride, a political novice, gained momentum.
The tight race already has stirred talk of potential challenges from Reno's campaign.
With control of Congress split and held by a narrow margin, the November elections could tip the balance either way. While the Democrats have a one-seat Senate edge, the Republicans hold the House, with 222 Republicans, 211 Democrats and two independents.
AP