Gore uses Florida as setting to start weeklong health-care focus.

Byline: Linda Kleindienst

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. _ Al Gore on Monday used a forum with Tallahassee senior citizens to kick off a weeklong focus on health care, especially his plan to ease the cost of older Americans' prescription drugs, and re-emphasize the importance of Florida in the battle for the White House.

Monday's visit was the second time the Democratic vice president has been in Florida in five days. It was another sign that Democrats think the state's 25 electoral votes are up for grabs in the presidential election, even though Florida's governor is the brother of Republican hopeful George W. Bush.

"Florida is a state where I'm going to fight hard with everything I've got, right up to the night of the election," said Gore, who was accompanied by his wife, Tipper. "The governor of Florida is not running for president this year. I don't think people are confused about that. I think they expect him to help his brother . . . . (but) anybody who writes Florida off in one column or the other is making a mistake."

Gore's Florida trip prompted a hastily called news conference by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announcing the formation of a teacher group to support his brother's presidential bid. Bush, who chairs his brother's Florida campaign, admitted the event was scheduled only when he learned the vice president was coming to town.

"We're taking the state very seriously," said Jeb Bush, saying he will make more campaign appearances this fall.

At Baker's Pharmacy in Tallahassee, customers told Gore drug prices are so high they often have to choose which prescription to fill. The pharmacy owner said some residents go to a veterinarian to buy the same drugs at lower prices.