2 LI Democrats to skip national convention

Major-party leaders are urging congressional members in tight races to stay home and campaign rather than go to the national conventions. Two House Democrats from Long Island said they'll miss the convention in Charlotte, N.C.: Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton), who faces Republican businessman Randy Altschuler, and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola), who's challenged by both Republican Francis Becker and Conservative nominee Frank Scaturro. Retiring Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Roslyn Heights) plans on going, as does Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills), who has a speaking role as Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman. Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) plans to attend the GOP convention in Tampa.-- Tom Brune