MODERATES HELP GORE PULL EVEN WITH BUSH IN POLL.(MAIN)

Byline: RICHARD MORIN and DAN BALZ Washington Post

WASHINGTON -- Fueled by surging support among moderates and independent voters, Vice President Al Gore has eliminated Texas Gov. George W. Bush's lead in the presidential race, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News Poll.

The survey found that Gore leads Bush by 48 percent to 45 percent among registered voters, a statistical tie. Barely six weeks ago, Bush held a double-digit advantage over Gore, and in a Post-ABC News poll two weeks ago, Bush still clung to a 6-point lead.

As the general election campaign begins, the vice president has struck first in seizing the political middle, where many …