n/a Ed Zschau 32,145 17,121 Start date 1996 | 47 3 + D.C. 65.25% 34.75% | |
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Due to the lateness at which the Reform Party had been established, the traditional system of Presidential Primaries that had been in use for some time by the Republican and Democratic parties was not considered practical. Instead, a national primary would be held through the mail in which Reform Party supporters would be able to vote for a number of candidates, while ballot efforts would be concentrated entirely towards the general election.
The Mail-In Primary
In 1996, former presidential candidate Ross Perot's lobbying group United We Stand America decided to become a political party. Thus, the Reform Party of the United States of America was created.
During the 1996 presidential primaries, the Reform Party was seeking an alternative candidate to party founder Ross Perot, who stated he didn't plan on running for president again. Reform Party activist Mark Sturdevant urged Colorado Governor Richard Lamm to seek the party's nomination. Initially hesitant, Lamm decided that if Ross Perot didn't run then he would enter the presidential race.
Lamm was assured Perot had no intention of running, and he entered the Reform Party's primaries on June 9, with Ed Zschau as his running mate.
Lamm remained a registered member of the Democratic Party, stating: "you can't become a member of the Reform Party in Colorado. There is no Reform Party in Colorado.... I can participate by staying a Democrat. I couldn't become a member of the Reform Party if I wanted to, but I am encouraging people to sign petitions so that they can get on the ballot here in Colorado. We've got to be on the ballot in all 50 states."
On March 19, Perot hinted that he may enter the Reform Party presidential primaries. Later that summer, Perot announced his presidential candidacy. Most Reform Party members supported Perot, and he was the overwhelming victor during the primaries.
Lamm addressed the Reform Party's 1996 National Convention, held in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. In his speech, he criticized President Bill Clinton, saying: "no nation has ever borrowed its way to greatness!" He also blasted Political Action Committees for running dishonest commercials, and stated he hoped the Reform Party would become a "truth telling, straight talking political party... run by ordinary citizens."
His speech received a standing ovation, and he congratulated Ross Perot on his primary victory.