WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sarah Palin and George W. Bush won't be in Tampa, Fla. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Al Gore won't make the trip to Charlotte, N.C. And scores of other Republican and Democratic stars are taking a pass as their parties gather for this year's national conventions.
The reasons are varied. And often, of course, political.
Some high-wattage politicians weren't invited to have speaking roles. Other party rock stars are choosing to sit on the sidelines. And in at least one case, one of the biggest names in the Democratic Party -- Secretary of State Clinton -- isn't allowed to attend under the law.
