Pete Wilson in Sacramento

Now that what used to be called voter apathy has been established to be frustration at the lack of choices between the major party candidates, it is high time that the media begin paying attention to the minor parties. These parties actually have divergent political philosophies that may appeal to many nonvoters who probably do not even know they exist.

In attempting to rationalize the decision of the media (with the exception of some talk radio stations) to perpetuate the myth of the two-party system, I imagine that journalists feel these parties are not newsworthy because they receive few votes. However, the reverse is also true, as few people will vote for parties that they know nothing about.

This is not to imply that The Times or other papers should endorse these candidates; only that they should acknowledge their existence. Feinstein was not, as The Times stated, the first female gubernatorial candidate in California, or one of only five female candidates on the ballot. She was the first major party female candidate, and one of five major party candidates.

JEFFREY W. BISHOP

San Diego