Make It Gore in 2004, Party Chief Says

WASHINGTON — Al Gore deserves the chance to run again for the White House after his disputed loss to George W. Bush in 2000, the Democratic Party chairman said Sunday.

"He was robbed, and that's a fact," Terry McAuliffe said.

The former vice president has said that he will decide by year's end whether to seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2004.

The parties' political focus now is on the Nov. 5 election, which will determine control of Congress.

Speaking on ABC's "This Week," McAuliffe did not answer directly when asked how soon Gore should make up his mind.