The close presidential race could play a role in a handful of tight Congressional contests across the US. Both parties are playing down the coat-tail effects of the presidential battle, but with races at all levels of the ballot still too close to call, candidates are desperate for any boost they can get.
Republicans are confident they will hold their slim seven-seat majority in the House of Representatives, saying a wave of momentum generated for Demo crats in part by Mr Al Gore's August and September surge appears to have dissipated.
But analysts say the race is still exceptionally tight. A last-minute swing towards either Mr George Bush or Mr Gore could quickly change the dynamic, boosting or deflating enthusiasm and turnout in one of three dozen House districts and a dozen Senate races that will decide who controls Congress.
Turnout will be critical in 15 to 20 races, and Democrats will need to muster big showings from traditional support groups like African-Americans and labour to knock off Republican incumbents and make the gains they need to take back the House.