Jumping up and down and hugging his son, the previously reluctant Hinshaw formed a new attitude.

"It's over," he said. "If Bush wins Florida, it's over."

The night returned to its celebratory atmosphere after the Florida reversal, even though a light drizzle started to soak the crowd.

With Florida up for grabs, Bush held a strong lead over Gore for the first time, and the likelihood of victory seemed closer as the Bush-friendly Mountain states still lay ahead.

But a Gore victory in California pulled the race back into a dead heat.

"It's been nerve-racking," said Todd Chessher, as more state totals flowed in. "It's been extremely exciting because it's so close."

As the clock passed midnight, the outcome of the election hinged on a few remaining states too close to call, including Washington, Wisconsin and the previously declared Florida.

The supporters remained confident of Bush's chances, as they started chanting, "We want Florida."

Around 12:30 a.m. Central Standard Time, a torrential downpour hit the capitol, as streams of water flowed down the street, driving away a large section of Bush supporters. Members of the media flocked from the outdoor press area to the covered filing tent behind the celebration.

But those who remained outside witnessed the pivotal moment of the night. At 1:18 a.m. Central Time, the networks announced that Bush had carried Florida, giving him the majority needed for the Presidency. As a roar lifted from the Bush faithful remaining, reporters rushed out of the media tent, charging through Secret Service metal detectors to regain their spots outside.

Dancing in the street and waving cowboy hats and a sea of miniature American flags, the crowd reveled in what appeared to be the final outcome.

"This is just the greatest feeling," said Laura White, a student at Texas Christian University. "I'm so glad I stuck it out."

As CNN continued its analysis of Bush's election on the big screen, the supporters began noticing how dangerously close the final deciding tally was becoming in Florida.

"I'm still a little leery because it's so close," said Chad Perry.

But most of the crowd stood confident, and awaited Bush's arrival at the capitol for his long-anticipated acceptance speech.