In Church Bulletin, Some Voting Advice From Wisconsin Bishop

But a quirk in Maine's election law that has not come into play since 1824 is forcing both sides to continue devoting resources to the state. Maine gives two electoral votes to the winner of its overall popular vote and one to the victor in each of its two congressional districts.

Kerry leads by a double-digit margin in the more liberal and urbanized 1st District. But in the northern and rural 2nd District, the candidates are neck and neck. This has led to speculation that the state could split its votes for the first time in 180 years.

"It's been bouncing back and forth for months, but it looks like Bush may be able to peel off that electoral vote," said Mal Leary of the Capitol News Service in Augusta, who closely monitors polling.

Bush is relying on support from hunters and other gun owners in the woodlands region and may get a boost from opponents of a ballot initiative that would ban "bear baiting," in which hunters leave out food to lure the large animals. Kerry is hoping to turn out students at Bates College and the University of Maine at Orono.

Maine nearly split its votes 12 years ago, when independent candidate H. Ross Perot finished second in the state and just behind Bill Clinton in the 2nd district.

"It's got a reputation for being more conservative than the rest of the state," said John Baughman, who teaches political science at Bates in the town of Lewiston. "Splitting the votes doesn't happen very often, but this year, it's got a lot of people talking."

Redskins' Loss Signals a Win for Kerry

Forget the polls. The football verdict is in and it goes to Kerry.

In every presidential election since 1936, the Washington Redskins' last home game before the election has accurately predicted the winner. If the Redskins win, the incumbent president's party wins. If they lose, the challenger wins.

The Redskins lost to Green Bay 28-14. That would be the Green Bay Packers of Wisconsin, a state Kerry hopes will prove favorable to him -- despite the bishop's advice to voters there.

"I couldn't be more thrilled with the Packers' win today," Kerry said in a statement. "The Packers have done their part, this Tuesday I'll do mine."

Powell reported from Green Bay.