Pubdate: Fri, 23 Jun 2000 Source: New York Times (NY) Copyright: 2000 The New York Times Company Contact: 229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 Fax: (212) 556-3622 Website: http://www.nytimes.com/ Forum: http://www10.nytimes.com/comment/ Section: Politics Editor's Note: The second section contains information about a "shadow convention" and the "failed" war on drugs. 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Allan Wilkinson