It could be a virtual dream come true for politics lover

By Sean F. Driscoll

July 18, 2000 Web posted at: 10:41 AM EDT (1441 GMT)

VERSAILLES, Indiana (Indianapolis Star) -- Sports fans have the Super Bowl. Political junkies have the national party conventions.

There are all the high-ranking members of the party, the thousands of delegates and, most important, the candidates themselves.

It's the stuff of dreams -- and for Versailles resident Michelle Study, that dream could come true.

Study, 25, is among nine contenders to cover both party conventions as a correspondent for the pseudo.com Internet television site.

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Three correspondents will be picked -- one Young Republican, one Young Democrat and one independent. Those vying for the job range from 19 to 32.

Voting for the correspondents at Pseudo's Web site (located at www.pseudo.com/voteforme) ends Tuesday, with results released Thursday.

Pseudo hopes to drum up more interest in the conventions -- particularly among young adults -- through its interactive programming and online correspondents. Coverage also includes interactive polls, chats with political pundits and journalists, and a 360-degree-camera-view of the convention floors.

Study works for U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, a Democrat representing Indiana's 9th Congressional District. She's been active in politics since earning a degree in political science and telecommunications from Marian College. She worked for Gov. Frank O'Bannon and on several Democrats' campaigns before landing in Hill's office.

Despite that political activity, getting involved with pseudo.com was mostly an accident, she said.

"I got an e-mail from the president (of Young Democrats) about the Web site (and its search for correspondents). I hadn't done anything with my telecommunications degree since college, so I told him I was interested, and he entered my name," she said.

On the Web site, each candidate solicits votes with a video clip. Study's plea emphasizes the issues dividing political parties. Candidates also have message boards and e-mail links so Web surfers can sound off.

Study said she's been interested in politics for years and would welcome the opportunity to see how both conventions work from the inside.

"As a Democrat, to be surrounded by fellow Democrats and the issues that mean the most to you would be fantastic," she said. "(But) it's interesting from an outsider's point of view."

Study also said it's important to her for young people to have access to the political process.

"There are hardly any young people with access to reporting and views of our age group," she said. "They should have a voice, not just to see the sights but have a venue to ask questions."

Although she's excited about the chance to go to the convention, Study said she won't live or die by the results.

"Whatever happens, happens," she said. "It's still a great opportunity."

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