Groups seek to protest during GOP convention

NEW YORK -- A growing list of potential protesters -- including abortion-rights supporters, antiwar activists and even off-duty police officers -- wants permission to hold demonstrations during the Republican National Convention, police officials said yesterday.

About 17 organizations have contacted the New York Police Department about permits that would allow them to legally march and rally outside the convention at Madison Square Garden and other sites around Manhattan. More are expected to apply before a June 15 deadline.

Authorities say the applications could overlap and conflict in demands for time and space. One request by an antiwar group has been denied already because the estimated draw -- 250,000 people -- was deemed too large. The list of organizers includes NARAL Pro-Choice America, the New York City AIDS Housing Network, the environmental group Time's Up, the Green Party, and the liberal advocacy group MoveOn.org.

''We want to accommodate peaceful demonstrations, while making certain the convention delegates can conduct their business," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said in a statement.

A coalition representing police officers and firefighters also has said it will request permits to demonstrate during the four-day convention, beginning Aug. 30.