Politicos, residents mixed on Bush presidency

Vice President Al Gore conceded the presidency to Bush Wednesday night after the U.S. Supreme Court determined that time ran out on a manual recount of Florida ballots. Florida's 25 electoral votes -- and the presidency -- has been in question since the Nov. 7 election.

Scott believes Republican control of the federal government will hurt the economy and isn't sure a Bush presidency will have a positive effect on San Mateo County.

"That remains to be seen. A number of people think a Bush presidency will be good for the economy but I'm not sure," he said. "Will there be money sent to San Mateo County? I don't think so." Mark Watson, chair of the San Mateo County Republican Central Committee, believes Bush has no choice but to pay attention to this area because its high-tech industries.

"His impact will be real positive. He came here a lot during the campaign, and he will continue to because of Silicon Valley. And I think his policies will change the view of the Republican party in this county," he said.

San Mateo County Supervisor Jerry Hill, the highest ranking elected Republican official in this county, also believes that a Bush presidency will be good for local economic control in San Mateo County.

"We may not have to send as much to Washington and what we get back won't have as many strings attached," he said.

The county's highest ranking elected Democratic official, U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos, D-San Mateo, is very disappointed that Vice President Al Gore will not be in the White House for the next four years, according to his aide Bob King. Lantos is in Washington, D.C. and not available for comment, King said.

"In terms of Gore's future, Lantos wants to see him run for White House again. He's been a longtime supporter of Gore," King said, adding that Lantos was one of two representatives that backed Gore in his 1988 run for the White House.

Even with a Gore concession, King said Bush is facing a real challenge after five weeks of legal wrangling.

"But I don't think the Democrats will be a problem, it'll be the Republicans," he said. "The question is, 'Can George Bush bring the far right into control?' "

Yesterday, there was discussion that Bush might name Democratic Sen. John Breaux from Louisiana as energy secretary to reconcile with Democrats, but that move might tip the current Senate balance between the two parties to the Republicans. The Senate is currently split 50/50.

Scott has watched these political moves before -- he's been actively involved in Democratic politics since 1980.

"I think it's a terrific idea," he said. "It'd be great if he'd nominate all Democrats to his cabinet."

Tom Dickerson, chair of the San Mateo County Green Party, said he's too upset that the undervotes were not manually counted in Florida to make amends at this point.

"It's not an election, it's a fraud and it's taken by Republicans," he said. "Bush and the Republicans face an uphill battle with that s--- they pulled."

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