OTHER RACES TO WATCH.

While they don't attract the attention that the race for the White House does, there are a number of statewide contests that could have a strong bearing on issues of importance to gay and lesbian voters. Here is the breakdown on six such races.

Vermont

Gov. Howard Dean, a Democrat, was once thought to be a shoo-in for reelection, but his decision earlier this year to sign a law legalizing gay unions has left the popular politician vulnerable. With the right-wing "Take Back Vermont" campaign gaining ground, Dean faces a backlash from state conservatives. His biggest challenge, however, may come from the left. While Dean would be favored to handily win a two-way race against Republican challenger Ruth Dwyer, the presence of Progressive Party candidate Anthony Pollina complicates matters. Vermont law demands that a gubernatorial candidate attain 50% of the popular vote to win election; otherwise, the state legislature decides. Currently, Democrats control both houses, but antigay conservatives are trying hard to change that.

Virginia

Democrat Charles Robb, who barely won reelection to the U.S. Senate in 1994, has been trailing his Republican challenger, former governor George Allen, in fund-raising and in the polls. Robb has been a consistent and strong proponent of gay rights for years--activists remember him fondly for his eloquent Senate floor speech in 1996 condemning the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act. Allen, for his part, has met with Log Cabin Republicans but has not thrown his support behind any prominent gay rights measures.

Michigan

How this important Midwestern state goes in the presidential race will not be the only focus for voters. Michigan also features one of the most closely watched U.S. Senate races, where Democratic congresswoman Debbie Stabenow is challenging the incumbent, Republican Spencer Abraham. Abraham, considered a tech head in Congress for his focus on technology issues, has been absent on gay measures, earning a 0 on the Human Rights Campaign's congressional scorecard this year. Stabenow, by contrast, had a 91. Democrats consider the Michigan seat a must-win if they are to have any chance of retaking the majority in the Senate.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is also key in the Democrats' plan to retake the Senate. Republican senator Rick Santorum, whose voting record has been more conservative than many political analysts once projected, was supposed to have a tough time getting reelected. But a bruising primary has left Democrats behind in both the polls and in fund-raising. Still, gay activists are backing current U.S. representative Ron Klink in his bid to unseat Santorum, who has voted consistently against pro-gay bills, including the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Many of Klink's conservative leanings, such as opposing abortion rights, could turn off many gay voters, but advocates say Klink has come a long way in his support of gay causes and would be a welcome change from Santorum.

Florida

Retiring Republican Connie Mack has left his U.S. Senate seat open for Democratic pursuit, and so far state insurance commissioner and treasurer Bill Nelson has been up to the challenge, appearing to offer the Democrats their best chance for a win. Nelson's Republican challenger, U.S. representative Bill McCollum, made headlines in August by calling for passage of a federal hate-crimes law, which he had previously opposed. While happy to have his support, gay activists nevertheless questioned the timing of his announcement and his sincerity in proclaiming he would use his post on the House Judiciary Committee to jump-start action on the bill. Nelson was more blunt, calling McCollum a "wolf in sheep's clothing."

Missouri

Republican U.S. senator John Ashcroft, whose rumblings about a presidential bid frightened gay and feminist activists everywhere, faces a tough re-election campaign against Missouri's popular governor, Democrat Mel Carnahan. A Baptist deacon, Carnahan nevertheless signed an expanded hate-crimes law in 1999 that covers sexual orientation and is considered friendly toward gay causes. Ashcroft, on the other hand, earned a 0 on HRC's scorecard and is noted for being one of the most conservative members of the Senate.

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