On the scene with Susan Candiotti outside the Florida Supreme Court

Susan Candiotti

CNN Correspondent Susan Candiotti has been covering the presidential election deadlock from her stakeout outside the Florida Supreme Court in Tallahassee, Florida.

Q: What developments do you expect today from the court?

CANDIOTTI: The Florida Supreme Court is closed today, but we do understand that the court has pending matters before it that this court must consider. It is possible that either side in the Bush-Gore deadlock could file an appeal here once Leon County Circuit Court Judge N. Sanders Sauls decides after the conclusion of a hearing on contested ballots, which is expected later tonight. We are standing by just in case. Sauls' courtroom is just a few blocks away from where we are standing right now. All the city and county buildings in Tallahassee are within a three- or four-block area.

Q: What cases regarding the deadlock -- if any -- remain before the court?

CANDIOTTI: There is one outstanding issue before the Florida Supreme Court -- it was filed by a Collier County voter, and his name is Matt Butler. Matt Butler has filed an action challenging the constitutionality of manual recounts. He has a rather curious argument. He says he voted for Bush in the election and he says in a contest only an elector or a voter -- not a presidential candidate such as Gore -- should be able to challenge the outcome of an election as well.

The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to consider this case and both sides have been ordered to file briefs by Monday afternoon. The court could then schedule a hearing on the matter or reject the case outright. Butler is represented by Joseph Klock, who is also representing Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris.

Q: How do you compare this story with other important stories you've covered throughout your career?

CANDIOTTI: I think every journalist can say we have never seen anything like this and we probably never will again. The very idea that a presidential race can come down to a few hundred votes is incredible. Each day brings a new twist and turn to this presidential battle and -- compared to other stories -- it's hard to say which is better, but it's certainly the most fascinating one.