Reform Party Factions Struggle For Control

DALLAS (AllPolitics, Nov. 21) -- Ross Perot failed to make the same kind of ballot box impact this year as he did in 1992. Now some factions within the Reform Party say it's time for the party to grow beyond the tight control of the Texas billionaire.

A behind-the-scenes struggle is underway between groups within the Reform Party that want to gain recognition as the party's governing body.

Perot has gathered one group that participated in a 50-state conference call on Wednesday, while another group of Reform Party members already has petitioned the Federal Election Commission (FEC) asking for recognition.

That faction wants out from under what it calls the "Dallas group," and some members say it's time for the party to wean itself from Perot's money. Perot has largely financed the Reform Party's organization.

"He's nothing more than a billionaire bully," Ron Barthel, state vice chairman in Oregon, told The Associated Press. "He uses his money as a carrot, but they need to look at his money like cocaine. They need to get off of it as soon as possible."

Along with power, money is at the heart of the dispute. Because Perot captured 8 percent of the vote this year, the Reform Party more than likely will qualify for federal matching funds in the 2000 election. Four years ago, Perot got 19 percent.

The dispute could get an airing Jan. 24-25, when the Reform Party has scheduled a national convention to chart its future. No location has been chosen yet.

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Reform Party Factions Struggle For Control

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