"I want to say a word to the supporters of Senator John McCain in the Republican primaries," Gore said told almost 1,000 people Monday night at Lincoln Land Community College. "To any who can hear the sound of my voice, whatever party you're in ... I'd like to ask for your support."

McCain, who marshaled support among Democrats and independents, dropped from the Republican presidential race earlier this month after devastating losses on Super Tuesday.

Gore also criticized Bush, the likely Republican nominee, for airing campaign commercials in Illinois last weekend that claim Gore and President Bill Clinton have "failed" on education.

"It's a negative ad, just like he ran against John McCain," said Gore.

Gore, who has taken up the issue of campaign finance reform, reiterated his support for eliminating all 30- and 60-second television and radio ads in favor of weekly presidential debates.

"Wouldn't that be a better way to honor our democracy?" he said.

Gore also questioned some of Bush's policies and proposals, from his stances on education and Social Security to his relationship with the National Rifle Association.

But Gore saved his harshest words for Bush's tax proposal, a five-year, $483 billion plan that the vice president says would consume the projected budget surpluses.

"If you do the basic arithmetic, what you'll find out is that his risky tax scheme that he's proposing ... would spend the entire budget surplus for the entire next 10 years, plus another trillion dollars on top of that," he said. "I believe they're hoping that you won't add up the numbers."

Gore flew to Springfield from a secret weekend getaway in the South with his wife, Tipper. The trip was disclosed after it became clear that the Air Force Two flight was not originating from Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington. Aides refused to say where the couple went.

Also Monday, Gore picked up endorsements from several Illinois supporters of his former rival, Bill Bradley, including Reps. Bill Lipinski and Luis Gutierrez and state Rep. Jeff Schoenberg, D-Evanston, Bradley's state coordinator.