"It's nil if the state court rules against Gore. I don't think he'll appeal. His brief didn't introduce any federal issues. If the state court rules against Bush, I think the Bush team will wait to see what the recount is likely to show before taking an appeal to the Supreme Court," Gillers said.

"I don't think the Supreme Court will be eager to get involved in answering what Bush says are the federal issues," Gillers added.

The court acknowledged that they will most likely be the last arbiter of the election debate.

A solemn tone pervaded the two and a half-hour hearing conducted by the seven justices--five men and two women.

"The court is certainty aware of the historic nature of this session," said Chief Justice Charles T. Wells. "And is aware that this is a matter of utmost and vital importance to our nation our state and our world."

In other election-related news, Florida Circuit Judge Jorge Labarga ruled yesterday that he did not have the authority to order a Palm Beach revote. Voters confused by the "butterfly ballot" had sued for a revote because they claimed the ballot's design led them to unintentionally invalidate their ballots by punching two holes or to vote for Pat Buchanan. The decision was anticipated and the Democrats are likely to appeal to the State Supreme Court.

Also, Democratic Attorney General Bob Butterworth said counties should count overseas ballots that bear no postmark. This was a change from a previous Democratic stance that demanded full compliance with all legal standards that would have disqualified ballots lacking postmarks.