CNN to seek permission for camera in U.S. Supreme Court

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Cable News Network will ask the U.S. Supreme Court for permission to televise live the hearing of Gov. George W. Bush's appeal of the Florida Supreme Court's decision allowing manual recount totals to be added to Florida's presidential tally.

"The Supreme Court's hearing of this matter is of the highest significance for the American people," Tom Johnson, chairman and chief executive of the CNN News Group, said Saturday.

He said the impact of the court's decision on the election issue would be felt not only in the United States but also around the world.

"The American people are educated about the issue and are eager to follow it to the next step," Johnson said.

CNN has retained constitutional attorney Floyd Abrams, who is to file a petition with the court on Tuesday. Bush's appeal is scheduled to be heard on Friday.

The Florida Broadcasting Association also retained an attorney to represent it in its request to have a camera in the courtroom during Bush's appeal.