GORE JOINS BUDGET BATTLE

Vice President Gore launched a new Administration charge today against GOP plans to balance the budget by 2002, saying Republicans would face a "rendezvous with reality" when voters come to understand the impact of proposed cuts in Medicare and scores of other programs. "I predict they're going to experience a number of conversions within their ranks," he said, "especially among those running for re-election next year." House Speaker Newt Gingrich, noting that Gore offered no alternative budget-balancing plan, accused the White House of "taking a walk" on the issue.