Perot, Lamm Share The Reform Stage

AUGUSTA, Maine (AllPolitics, July 22) -- Reform Party presidential wannabes, Texas billionaire Ross Perot and former Colorado governor Dick Lamm, appeared together for the first time last weekend at party conventions in Maine and Virginia.

Perot, the party's founder and primary financial patron, told about 300 receptive Maine Reform Party members that a new kind of politician is needed in Washington, one that is "dedicated to results, not images, not acting, not just trying to create an impression."

"We've got to have a detailed blueprint of a balanced budget," Perot declared. "We've got to have a balanced budget amendment. We've got to stop keeping items off the budget. We need an annual financial report where you and I know if they're staying on schedule. And we want a real line-item veto." (160K WAV sound)

Washington can not be reformed from within, Lamm agreed. "It's like trying to teach a dog to be a vegetarian." While praising Perot for recognizing the need for a new political party, Lamm has suggested the maverick Texan isn't the ideal presidential candidate.

But Perot was clearly the crowd favorite in both states, and about half the Maine audience deserted Lamm after hearing the Texan's speech. Perot's Maine following may be his strongest anywhere; he took 30 percent of the Maine vote in 1992, behind Bill Clinton but ahead of then-President George Bush. "I just like his ideas on everything," gushed Readfield voter Barbara Brogle to The Associated Press.

But Ogunquit Reform Party member Lily Andrews, while leaning toward Perot, called it "a difficult choice" between the party's godfather and the new face of Lamm. Perot, so far, has had only complimentary words for Lamm.

Virginia's Reform Party held its convention in Charlottesville. Reston party member Preston Hay said the movement shouldn't be dismissed. "We're here because of the concern we have about the direction of our country. Give us a fair shake, we're not a bunch of crazies."

Perot, Lamm Share The Reform Stage

Related Stories: