Vice-President Al Gore warned Republicans yesterday that the Democratic success in the midterm elections was a message to curb their impeachment hearings on President Clinton's sex scandal.
"Last night was a good night for America and also a good night for the Democratic party," Mr Gore said during a White House event.
Asked whether the Democrats' performance would have any impact on the Republicans who are planning to begin impeachment proceedings next week, Mr Gore said: "There was a message for the Congress. I think the American people said, `Get back to work'."
Mr Gore, who has President Clinton's backing as a possible presidential successor in 2000, refused to comment on a recent poll showing him far behind the Texas Governor, Mr George Bush jnr, playfully insisting he was not yet focused on his expected bid. "We just had one election," he said.