Jonathan Royas '02 never planned on a life of crime. He never intended to impersonate others, trespass, and evade the law. The government major did just that—but he did it in the name of democracy.

The credentials black market was booming at the 2000 Democratic National Convention. Many regularly law-abiding citizens traded, lent, and liberated the coveted slips of paper over the course of the week. Most of those engaged in the underground activity were underutilized volunteers with too much free time and the sole goal of making it into Fort Staples by primetime. At the last minute, Royas received a Staples pass from a secret source. He was in.

Once inside, Johnny and brother Ben Royas '03 craftily covered the date-stamped portion of days-old floor passes, vaulted a barrier, dodged two security volunteers and a Secret Service man, and made it to the floor of the Democratic National Convention just in time for Vice President Al Gore's acceptance speech—safely seated by their new fellow West Virginia delegates.

More than 2,000 miles away, several weeks before, Alexis Orton '03 was sneaking into the Republican National Convention at First Union Center in Philadelphia. "I was eager to link my interest in politics with this once-in-a-lifetime experience to be part of the team," the Morristown, N.J., native explains. "Elections had never seemed so real or important before. It's a very exciting time to be involved with government."

Her entrance was aided by knowing the right someone with the right internship. Orton's passes granted her access to the club level, but unfortunately, not a specific club box—greatly hindering her club-hopping. "It was like having a golden ticket, but not knowing where the chocolate factory was," says Orton. Even former President George Bush chided the sneaks. "We were stopped by the Secret Service and blocked while Bush was escorted past us. He said, 'What's the matter, girls? Not letting you in anywhere?' It was an amazing moment."

Orton and company found sanctuary with the Minnesota alternate delegates one night, and with the Virginia delegation the next (under the condition that they "cheer really loud.") Using finely-honed strategic planning skills, Orton managed to seat herself among the delegate spouses for some speeches, and next to New York mayor Rudolph Guiliani for others.

While most of the College's undergraduate attendees resorted to more wily methods of convention attendance, one CMCer who actually was supposed to be there was regularly hassled trying to take his place among the Arizona delegation. Freshman Lawrence Robinson of Tempe, Ariz., was the second-youngest delegate to the Democratic National Convention. After a tough statewide campaign, the 19-year-old was elected officially at the Arizona state convention last spring. "My age definitely hurt me in the campaign," Robinson admits. "There's a large retirement community in Arizona."

Christiana Dominguez '01, Rhett Francisco '01, and Ian Rudge '03 share a post-convention laugh