Spectators seek a ringside seat

Washington - Dozens of would-be spectators queued in their warmest clothes outside the US Supreme Court early yesterday, waiting…

Washington - Dozens of would-be spectators queued in their warmest clothes outside the US Supreme Court early yesterday, waiting for a seat at the Bush-Gore hearing.

"We are going to stay all night as we did last night," said Ms Heather Half (26), a lawyer from Springfield, Virginia. "We just want to go in tomorrow. I just want to see it." Mr Michael Pariati, in his 40s, arrived at 6.30 a.m. on Sunday, with a chair and enough food to last him until the start of the Supreme Court case. "I am number 45 and apparently they let in 50, so I should get in," Mr Pariati said.

Standing against the railings of the Supreme Court building a block and a half from Congress, those gathered included judicial enthusiasts and spectators. Some 20 tents were at the ready close by, to allow their users a few hours' rest and shelter with the weather decidedly cold after sleet earlier on Sunday.