ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 23, 1996 TAG: 9603260027
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
ROSS Perot returned briefly to the political spotlight this week when he hinted he's ready to run again for president if the people want him. If, that is, he's nominated by the Reform Party - the party he founded and continues to finance.
Perot is not, of course, without resources. The party is working to get on the ballot in all 50 states. Perot, one of America's wealthiest men, could fund a presidential campaign from his own funds without breaking a fiscal sweat.
The effect of his 19 percent of the 1992 vote on that election's outcome is a matter of some debate; this time, polls suggest more clearly that a Perot candidacy would hurt Republicans by splitting the anti-Bill Clinton vote.
The polls also are showing that Perot this time would be supported by only 10 percent of the electorate. Maybe the public is wearying of big-spending ego trips masquerading as serious presidential campaigns. Not for nothing is Perot called a potential "spoiler."
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS PRESIDENTby CNB