CAMPAIGN NEWS AND NOTES

UAW Strikes Back Over China

The United Automobile Workers has retaliated against a longtime friend
who defied the union and supported the China trade bill. Not only has
the union decided against endorsing the longtime ally, Rep. Sander
Levin, D-Mich., but it has thrown its support behind his Republican
opponent, Bart Baron.

The UAW and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters persuaded the
Michigan AFL-CIO to remain neutral, instead of supporting Levin. Some
labor leaders are criticizing the union arguing that if a Republican
is elected in the district, it will be harder for Democrats to regain
control of Congress.

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 event are Common Cause, Public Campaign and
the syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington. Those participating will
include Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.; the actors Warren Beatty and Ron
Silver, the television talk show host Bill Maher and the comedian Al
Franken. The group said the shadow conventions, to be broadcast on its
Web site, www.shadowconventions.com. will last for three days.

A Willing Running Mate

Most Democrats or Republicans feign modesty and decline to comment
substantively if they win speculative mention as a possible
vice-presidential choice. Not Housing Secretary Andrew Cuomo. Asked
Thursday on a trip to Israel whether he would agree to be Al Gore's
running mate, if asked, he shot back in a New York second: Yes.Or,
Cuomo went on, he might follow in the footsteps of his father, Mario,
and run for governor of New York in 2002. Meanwhile, back in
Minnesota, Gore was asked how the search was progressing for a running
mate. "Don't have a short list yet," he replied.

Friday's Schedules:

George W. Bush: Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Al Gore: San Francisco, Palo Alto, Atherton and San Mateo, Calif.