nmental aspect, Attorney General Janet Reno and Vice President Al Gore are at risk of losing favor in the eyes of the Miamians. "The political price for Democrats could be a Florida Senate seat and Florida's 25 electoral votes," explains associate professor Dario Moreno at Florida International University. Cuban-Americans represent a small portion of the electorate, but they vote in large numbers in states that make a difference in close elections. Political experts also credit Cuban-Americans with having constant and intense lobbying efforts. Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore, who tends to lose the most from the unrest in Miami, is at risk of losing much needed support. His views have seemed contradictory as the Elian saga evolved. First, Gore agreed with the INS decision stating that the conflict should be handled by federal officials. Then, fearing declining support from the Cuban-American community, Al Gore reasserted his disassociation with the Clinton administration and Attorney General Janet Reno and the INS. Gore now supported Congress to pass a bill sponsored by Senator Bob Graham, Democrat-Florida, that would grant permanent residency status in the United States to Elian, his father, step-mother, brother, grandmothers, and grandfather. However, on April 7 when Gore campaigned in Fort Lauderdale, he remained silent on the Elian dispute and made no references at all as to his position on the matter. Instead, Gore talked about insurance coverage for contraceptives and other health care issues with the invitation only gathering. He also avoided discussing the case by canceling a fund-raiser in Miami.With so many factors involved in the Elian Gonzalez custody dispute, it's hard not to have an opinion. Every side has their own view of what's right and can back up their claims with legitamate and truthful reasons. Each has supporters that feel the emotions of the families just as much as the families themselves. But with all th...
