Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.news From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Perot supporters talk of new party, '96 run Date: Thu, 5 Nov 92 17:01:12 EST Message-ID: \SE A;NATION;ELECTIONS '92 \HD Perot supporters talk of new party, '96 run \BY Hugh Aynesworth \CR THE WASHINGTON TIMES \DT DALLAS DALLAS - Ross Perot, more than $60 million poorer and obviously wiser, shoved the 1992 presidential race aside yesterday as speculation persisted that the billionaire computer magnate might make a run for the roses again in 1996. Orson Swindle, director of the grass-roots organization "United We Stand, America," which pushed the Perot campaign for the presidency, said it was too early to tell. Mr. Swindle, at the final Perot news briefing at a North Dallas complex, said Mr. Perot had assured his backers that he would do whatever they wished, possibly helping them form a third party. "You're talking about 18 million people," he said. "The basis for a third party is there if the group wants to pursue that as an ultimate end," he added. He would not comment on whether Mr. Perot spoke privately about a possible 1996 run. "There are so many bridges to cross," Mr. Swindle went on. "Ross Perot has got a great following. Some believe it's enough to invest in a few bumper stickers; we'll just have to see." Mr. Perot, in a colorful campaign finale at a North Dallas hotel Tuesday night, made it a bit stronger. He promised about 3,000 listeners he would be available to them "any time, anyplace, anywhere." Mr. Perot garnered more than 19 percent of the popular vote nationwide but won no electoral votes. It was the best showing by an independent candidate since Theodore Roosevelt in 1912, and Mr. Perot received praise from many quarters for helping focus the campaign on economic issues. "We went into this a little more than 30 days ago," said Clayton Mulford, a Perot son-in-law and general counsel, "and at that point, Mr. Perot was at 7 percent in the polls - and to do as well as we did last night, we thought that was really remarkable. "But more than that," he added, "what we're really pleased with was the outstanding turnout in the election. And we think Ross Perot is responsible for that." Mr. Swindle said, "For a bunch of amateurs, we did pretty damn well." Other aides said that the phone banks at Mr. Perot's Dallas headquarters were still manned and busy yesterday, taking calls mostly from those trying to get a commitment that Mr. Perot would run again. Some were said to be at work formulating bylaws for an official third party. Mr. Perot has promised "bridge financing" for that effort, one said. Mr. Perot, who claimed to his supporters "You're the boss, I'm Ross," did little Tuesday night to dampen their hopes that he would return. Once he held up a "Perot in '96" bumper sticker. Another time he told the audience that if the Clinton administration did not make inroads into the nation's major problems, "you can bring out that old stray dog again." "The main thing," he said, "is don't lose your enthusiasm, don't lose your idealism, don't lose your great love for this country. As long as we're together nationwide, you have an enormous voice in our country. "We will stay together and you will be a force for good for our country and our children." "In all candor," said Mr. Swindle, "there is no way we can stop it [the Perot movement]. This is truly a phenomenon that is unparalleled in the history of the country politically - at least as far as my recollection goes." "You heard what he said about that 'old stray dog,' " said Patty Templeton, a volunteer for United We Stand. "I don't think we've seen the last of Ross Perot yet - and God, I hope I'm right!" This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM