The 2000 US Presidential election came down to Vice President Al Gore and Governor George W. Bush. Gore had the advantage as the incumbent Vice President and secured the Democratic nomination over Senator Bill Bradley. Bush defeated Senator John McCain for the Republican nomination after McCain lost the South Carolina primary. The general election saw Gore and Bush in a virtual dead heat with Bush leading in Florida, but recounts brought Gore close until the Supreme Court halted further recounts, giving Florida and the election to Bush despite Gore winning the national popular vote.