Presidential count continues

William Daley, campaign chairman for Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore, Wednesday said Democrats would demand a follow-up recount by hand in a few Florida counties and support unspecified "legal actions."

Gore has narrowed GOP presidential nominee George W. Bush's lead to some 362 votes with 64 of 67 counties completing recounts, the Associated Press reported at press time Wednesday.

"Technicalities should not determine the president of the United States, the will of the people should,'' Daley said.

Some voters in Palm Beach County said confusing ballots may have led them to vote for Reform Party nominee Pat Buchanan when they meant to support Gore.

Daley and others said it was possible Democrats would seek a new election in that county.

State officials said the recount should be completed Wednesday but the results will not be certified until Nov. 17 - the deadline for the approximately 2,000 ballots cast by Floridians living overseas to arrive. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Meanwhile, House Commerce Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee Chairman W.J. (Billy) Tauzin, R-La., will launch a congressional investigation into the television networks' decision to call Florida for Gore Tuesday.