Gun control also appeals overwhelmingly to college-educated women, who have been considered key to the Democrats' inroads this decade into the once solidly Republican suburban vote.

Mr. Mondale has sought to capture the growing suburban vote by campaigning in a minivan and talking about his life as a parent of young children.

The exit polls show Bush won 57% of the rural vote, 52% of the suburban vote and 45% of the urban vote.

"I think he made a mistake not putting Ridge or some governor who might have helped him with the suburban vote," Mr. Madonna said.

In a state with a heavy suburban vote like New Jersey, there are roughly 145,000 such players.

It is widely believed that he wants to run for Governor and will need those suburban votes some day.

Equally important, the Republican share of the suburban vote is on the increase.

"Both parties, to capture that suburban vote of the unaffiliated voter, have become more like each other."

"And Republicans are going more for the suburban vote."

He won 49 percent of the suburban vote in 1994, 62 percent in 1998, and 59 percent on Tuesday.