Robert Friebert, a lawyer representing the teachers' union and other opponents of the choice program, said the main problem was a lack of regulation of the private schools.

For years, Mrs. Suzman was the only legislator representing opponents of the legal policy of racial discrimination.

Justice O'Connor asked Floyd Abrams, who represented opponents of the provision, at the outset of his argument.

"The public mindset won't change," said Robert Chanin, general counsel of the National Education Association, the teachers union, who represented voucher opponents in the Supreme Court.

"He's the first Governor to give intelligence a bad name," said Robert A. Backus, a Manchester lawyer who has represented opponents of the plant for many years.

"It's a beautiful forested park, and that makes it valuable in itself," said Ed Lloyd, a professor of environmental law at Columbia University, who has represented opponents to the plan.

From the first day of law school one concept is clear: No lawyer can ethically represent legal opponents.

"He hasn't fought," said Ira Karasick, a lawyer who has represented opponents of Mayor James's policies.

On occasion, the Yes Men's phony spokesperson will make announcements that represent fictitious scenarios for the anti-globalization movement or opponents of corporate crime.

But Robert Chira, a lawyer who represents opponents of the project, said there is a larger principle at stake.