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Sunday, September 28, 1997

Reform Party holds first convention, maps strategy for 1998, 2000

By RENAE MERLE / Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN (AP) -- Former vice presidential candidate Pat Choate told Reform Party of Texas members Saturday that they can change the face of the House of Representatives in the 1998 elections.

"The Reform Party cannot raise enough (money) to take 40 seats, but we can change 40 seats," Choate said at the kickoff of the party's first convention. "And we can say to the American people that we can make a difference ... This is hardball politics, but that's what it takes."

About 100 people attended the convention, which also featured U.S. Rep. James Traficant, D-Ohio, and continues through Sunday. Party members will choose delegates for the national Reform Party Founding Convention in Kansas City, Mo., scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Perot supporters say the national convention is intended to help their group evolve from a loose confederation of state parties into a permanent political institution, with bylaws, party rules and a platform.

Choate, a radio personality and economist, told Reform Party members that Republicans failed to fulfill promises on trade issues and must be held responsible.

"They made a pledge to us and they broke it," he said.

Choate blamed the party's exclusion from the 1996 presidential debates for party founder Ross Perot getting only 8 percent of the vote. In 1992, the Dallas billionaire, running without a party, accumulated 19 percent of the vote.

"I really think we would have gotten 25 percent if we had been in the debates," he said.

With that 25 percent the party would have been able to receive federal funding on the same level as Democrats and Republicans for future elections. Because Perot got 8 percent of the vote as the Reform Party candidate, the party itself will qualify for some federal financing in 2000.

"In the year 2000 with no incumbent and a system that is disgraced, we can do very well," Choate said.

When asked whether Perot would make another run for the presidency, Choate said Perot has been under some pressure to do so, but added that he couldn't speak for his former running mate.

Choate also said the party should emphasize getting the support of people who feel disenfranchised from the system.

"I think that most of the American people agree with us," Choate said. "Our challenge as a party is to show them that they do make a difference."

Reform Party member Joe Montoya, a San Antonio businessman, said he is already looking at how the party can get 6 percent of the vote in a state-wide election and become a permanent fixture on the ballot.