THE CONVENTIONS AN ALTERNATIVE TO TWO PARTIES

A bipartisan coalition of advocacy groups and celebrities is planning an
alternative to the Republican and Democratic national conventions in
Philadelphia and Los Angeles this summer. The coalition said its "shadow
conventions" would highlight three issues: the gap between rich and poor,
campaign finance reform and the "failed" war on drugs. Among those
sponsoring the shadow conventions are Common Cause, Public Campaign and the
syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington. Those participating will include
Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona; the actors Warren Beatty and Ron
Silver; the television talk show host Bill Maher; the comedian Al Franken
and the writer Lewis Lapham. The group said its gatherings, to be broadcast
on its Web site, www.shadowconventions.com., would be an alternative to the
two parties' conventions, which the group said were "scripted, crafted and
controlled forums that relegate issue debate into obscurity." The shadow
conventions will last for three days and will feature speeches and
information booths, as well as a hospitality suite intended to mock those of
lobbyists.