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Reno says Justice Department keeping an eye on Florida election

Reno says elections are a matter of state law in most cases, and the Justice Department will not interfere unless there is a basis for federal jurisdiction

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno said Thursday that she did not want to do anything to politicize the process of settling the presidential race in Florida.

In her weekly news briefing, Reno said that election rules generally are covered under state laws and that she would make sure there was a clear federal issue before the Justice Department intervenes.

"We're not here to generate controversy. We're here to do what's right and to make sure that the voice of the American people that has spoken is heard fairly," Reno said.

But she acknowledged that she will be criticized no matter what she does.

DOCUMENTS • Withdrawn federal complaint that sought a new election • State court complaint seeking a new election in Palm Beach County (FindLaw) Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader     ALSO Federal judge calls hearing in Florida vote controversy

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"Well, as you have realized on a number of occasions, I get damned if I do and damned if I don't. And the important thing is to try to make sure that we recognize that it is a matter of state law in most cases, that each state conducts its elections according to state law, and that we do not interfere unless there is a basis for federal jurisdiction," Reno said.

Reno said there have been a number of complaints about alleged voting irregularities, including a letter from the National Association of Colored People. She said her office is investigating each one.

"We would have to look at each instance to see whether there was any basis for concluding that there was a federal violation, and do it fairly, do it carefully and do it with dispatch," Reno said.

Reno said the state should handle questions about the ballot in West Palm Beach, where hundreds of people have complained that the ballot confused them into voting for Reform Party candidate Patrick Buchanan instead of Vice President Al Gore.

"I think it is important that we adhere to principles of federalism, recognize that it is primarily a state issue, and, again, do everything we can to play an appropriate role that doesn't politicize the matter but contributes in a thoughtful way to the resolution of it," Reno said.

Reno said that even though she is a political appointee, she has a duty as attorney general to make sure the issue is handled thoroughly and fairly as possible.

Palm Beach County ballot as it appeared to voters ( Click here for larger view ). For sample ballot published before the election, click here

"Just what I told you before, I'm going to do my level-best to make sure that politics is not a part of this; that we do this fairly, carefully, thoughtfully; that we don't interject ourselves when it's not right," Reno said.

Reno said that she has not talked to the White House, members of the Bush or Gore campaigns or Florida officials about the election results.

She also said public reaction to the situation shows the strength of democracy in the United States.

"Many other nations, not knowing who their president might be, I think might be in a more difficult situation. But this nation has a strength, it has the ability to come together to work through issues. And, as the night unfolded, and then as we've addressed 'What next,' I'm so impressed, again, with how strong democracy is, but how we must never take it for granted," Reno said.

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