President Gary Hart: 1985-
On Election Day 1984, despite Reagan's popularity and the economic recovery Senator Gary Hart managed to narrowly defeat Vice President George H.W. Bush in one of the closet elections in American history. The incumbent President Ronald Reagan, chose not to run in '84 citing age and his desire for retirement, the nomination then went to Vice President George Bush who after a lengthy primary battle with Senator Bob Dole and Congressman Jack Kemp. A gaffe prone Bush managed to ruin a once ten point lead over Hart. Hart's narrow win was produced thanks to a close victory in Reagan's home state of California (50.1% - 49.4%).√ Senator Gary Hart/Senator Dale Bumpers: 271 (49.47%)
Vice President George Bush/Senator Paul Laxalt: 267 (49.41%)
