When Bush arrives in Redmond, the Texas
governor will find a well-worn political path. 
Though the presidential election still is 16
months away, the parade of candidates tromping 
through the throng of millionaires at Microsoft 
already has begun. Last week, Elizabeth Dole, 
former secretary of labor and transportation, met 
with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. In the past 
few months, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., former Sen. 
Bill Bradley, D-N.J., and Vice President Al Gore 
have forged ties with Microsoft.
...
But as one executive from a politically connected 
Seattle company noted, Microsoft has learned the 
importance of politics the hard way. 

"This is a company that was nonpolitical, and now 
they are seeing the error of their ways," the 
executive said. "You've got to pay to play. Money 
is the mother's milk, and they weren't feeding the 
baby." 
...
Those close to Gates believe he is leaning toward 
Bush. And when Gore comes to town the day after 
Bush, a stop at Microsoft is not scheduled. 
...
Could a new administration essentially accede to 
Microsoft's argument that the fast-moving industry 
already has outpaced the year-old lawsuit? Could a 
new attorney general dump the case, or settle on 
Microsoft's terms? 

The trial has been completed. Final arguments are 
scheduled for later this year, with a ruling 
expected by early next year followed by a widely 
anticipated appeal. 

By the November 2000 election, the appeals process 
will be well under way. By the presidential 
inauguration two months later, a new president 
would have the power to pull the plug on the 
litigation or cut an out-of-court settlement.