The United States Presidential election of 2004 pitted incumbent Democratic President Al Gore against a Republican challenger. The Republicans were determined to win back the White House after twelve years of Democratic rule. Among the candidates who sought the nomination were: * Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado * Senator George Allen of Virginia * Governor George Pataki of New York * Governor John Ellis "Jeb" Bush of Florida * Former Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania Texas Governor George W. Bush declined to run.