National Desk
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

WASHINGTON
GORE SAYS HE HAS NO PLANS FOR 2008 RUN
Vice President Gore said yesterday he had no intention of ever running for president again, but he said America would be “a different country” if he had won the 2000 election, launching into a scathing attack of the Bush administration.
“I have absolutely no plans and no expectations of ever being a candidate again,” Mr. Gore told reporters after giving a speech at an economic forum in Sweden. When asked how America would have been different if he had become president, though, he had harsh criticism for Mr. Bush’s policies.
“We would not have invaded a country that didn’t attack us,” he said, referring to Iraq. “We would not have taken money from the working families and given it to the most wealthy families.”
“We would not be trying to control and intimidate the news media. We would not be routinely torturing people,” Mr. Gore said. “We would be a different country.”
– Associated Press
HIGH COURT TAKES UP WHISTLE-BLOWER LAWSUIT
The Bush administration pressed the Supreme Court yesterday for a ruling that would make it harder for government whistle-blowers to win lawsuits claiming retaliation.
Justices seemed conflicted on where to draw the line in protecting the First Amendment speech rights of more than 20 million public employees.
In a lively hour-long session, justices talked about the importance of preserving the privacy of some government work, like the high court’s own deliberations. But there were also concerns about concealing government misconduct.
The First Amendment protects government workers from being punished for conduct involving a “public concern” rather than personal, job-related issues. The court is using this case to clarify the protection.
– Associated Press
OFFICIALS STRUGGLE TO GET FIRST FLU SHOTS TO HIGHEST-RISK PATIENTS
Delayed vaccine shipments to some health departments and doctors’ offices are hindering efforts to protect the highest-risk patients, even as grocery stores open mass flu-shot clinics.
Federal health officials insist there will be plenty of vaccine to go around in a few more weeks.
A manufacturer barred from the American market last year, Chiron Corporation, is to resume sales soon, a move that should boost the nation’s ultimate supply to 91 million doses, said Dr. Ray Strikas of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But until October 24, flu shots were supposed to be reserved for the elderly, babies, people with asthma, and others at highest risk. After that, the shots are open to anyone. The CDC is getting complaints that many high-risk patients won’t be reached by then, leaving them to compete for shots.
– Associated Press
NORTHEAST
KENNEDY BACKS KERRY IN 2008
BOSTON – Senator Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, said yesterday he would back Senator Kerry for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008, even if Senator Clinton, Democrat of New York, also pursues a White House bid. While Mr. Kennedy has frequently entertained the New York senator and her husband, President Clinton, he said his loyalty is to Mr. Kerry. Early polling shows Ms. Clinton and Mr. Kerry among the favorites for their party’s nomination in 2008. – Associated Press
MIDWEST
STATES RUSH TO PROTECT POOR FROM HIGH HEATING BILLS
CLEVELAND – With fuel bills expected to rise sharply this winter, states are setting aside extra money for the poor, dispensing energy-conservation tips, and pleading for federal aid to help Americans keep the heat on when the weather turns cold.
Ohio freed up an additional $75 million for heating assistance for the needy, and Wisconsin added $16 million.
Yesterday, the Energy Department predicted winter heating bills will be a third to a half higher than last year for most families across the country, an average of $350 more for natural gas users and $378 more for fuel oil users.
– Associated Press
WEST
COUPLE NEARS END OF 4,900-MILE HIKE
RENO, Nev. – Marcia and Ken Powers went for a walk in Delaware nearly eight months ago, and they’re still walking, as they approach the end of a 4,900-mile trek from coast to coast.
In recent days, the Pleasanton, Calif., couple cleared the final major hurdle, the Sierra Nevada, and were near their goal of becoming the first backpackers to traverse the transcontinental American Discovery Trail in one continuous hike.
They hoped to reach the Pacific at Point Reyes, Calif., on Sunday afternoon.
– Associated Press