CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Democratic Vice President Al Gore spent the evening Thursday angling for a last-ditch recount of contested votes here in Florida, but he wasnt too busy to wish NASA well prior to shuttle Endeavours planned launch.
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Just as Endeavours five-man crew began suiting up for a nighttime launch attempt, Leon Fuerth, National Security Advisor to the Vice President, presented NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin with a letter from Gore.
The special delivery was made during a VIP dinner at NASAs Apollo-Saturn 5 Center here at Kennedy Space Center, a tourist attraction that houses remnants from the agencys moon-landing project.
Also on the VIP guest list for the launch: Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the younger brother of Texas Gov. George W. Bush, the Republican candidate ensnarled with Gore in ongoing legal battles over the contested Nov. 7 presidential election.
Heres what Gores letter said:
"Dear Dan:
"Congratulations on todays planned launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour to the International Space Station. I regret not being able to join you personally for this historic occasion.
"Your leadership at NASA has been critical to the stations success. Since you and I first embarked on this project eight years ago, we have made enormous progress towards developing an International Space Station that enlists the world scientific community in an effort to explore the final frontier to the benefit of all mankind. Thanks to your vision and dedication, todays launch brings us one step closer to the full realization of our shared dream.
"All Americans can take pride in having reached this important milestone. I consider our work in building the international partnerships and developing the technology that have led to the International Space Station as one of the most important achievements of the last eight years.
"On behalf of all Americans, I thank you for your service to your country and your contribution to this important cause. Best wishes for a successful launch today.
"With warmest regards,
"Sincerely,
"Al Gore."
The $60 billion International Space Station construction project is a joint effort of 16 nations and 100,000 workers on four continents. Gore and Goldin played an instrumental role in bringing the Russians into the program after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
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