Networks Adamant on Projecting Winner

WASHINGTON — The major television networks said Monday they plan to project a presidential election winner again this year before some states' polls close.

Spokesmen for ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN said any attempt to have the networks withhold exit poll data would amount to censorship. "We're not in the business of withholding news," ABC News spokeswoman Teri Everett said.

"You just cannot withhold the results of the presidential race from roughly 80% of the country if a candidate accumulates sufficient electoral votes to be clearly identified the winner," CBS News spokesman Tom Goodman added.