Kerry, Bush offer hopeful message.

Byline: G. Robert Hillman and David Jackson

Their months of bickering and bashing nearing an end, President Bush and John Kerry sought in their second-to-last campaign day Sunday to offer hopeful visions for security and prosperity.

Bush, at a series of rallies in the crucial state of Florida, pitched himself as a president who could be trusted to win the war against terrorism and bolster the nation's still sluggish economy. "I offer a record of leadership and results in a time of challenge," he said, "and I ask for your vote."

Kerry, in Manchester, N.H., pledged to provide a new direction that would improve America's standing in the world. "Are you ready for new leadership in the United States of America? Two more days and help is on the way."

As they crisscrossed through the most crucial of swing states, Florida and Ohio, the Republican incumbent and the Democratic challenger braced for the final moments of a down-to-the-wire campaign. New polls showed a tossup, and while both campaigns expressed confidence, neither could point to clear evidence that victory was in hand.

Each campaign was looking at an electoral map scrambled by the tightening polls, and each was fighting for every vote _ especially in the Electoral College. That's why Kerry devoted much of Sunday to New Hampshire, a state Bush won in 2000, despite that it has just four electoral votes.

Kerry aides, meanwhile, said their internal polls and voter-turnout efforts signal good news for the Democratic challenger this Tuesday.