I doubt Zell Miller had any effect, since he doesn't agree with the party on a single issue, any "Democrat" who likes him also doesn't agree with the party on anything, is a total DINO, and probably didn't vote for Gore or any Democrat since the 80's (if even that) either.
Trust me. I know this coming from the area I do, there are plenty of people who vote Democrat who wouldn't agree with much the Democratic Party has to say today. When the pull the lever, they think they are voting for the Democratic Party of 40 years ago.