WASHINGTON The U.S. Supreme Court stepped into the fray Friday to hear arguments from George W. Bush challenging vote recounts and an appeal from Al Gore that could bring the battle for the White House to a close.

No ruling is expected any time soon in the hearing requested by Bush to make the case that ballot recounts in Florida were unconstitutional.

The Republicans claim the Florida Supreme Court violated federal law and the U.S. Constitution by halting the

certification of the state's vote tally on November 14 and allowing some counties to proceed with manual recounts.

According to AFP, lawyers for Democratic Vice President Gore will also present the case on behalf of the Democratic candidate for the White House, in a hearing which historic though it is likely to be, will probably not decide the final outcome of the November 7 presidential vote.

The Federal High Court has also received an appeal late Thursday from the Gore camp against a decision by the Republican-controlled Florida State legislature to step into the election process.

Republicans lawmakers in Florida say that unless the legal mess is sorted out promptly, they may name Florida's 25 electors, who would normally be committed to the candidate who wins the state.

They already took a first step in that direction on Thursday, passing a motion calling for a special session of the legislature to discuss the unprecedented and highly controversial move, which is supported by Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the elder brother of the Republican candidate.

The motion does not set a date for the session. (Cont. on p.15)