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PARTY OVERVIEW

The Reform Party was founded by Ross Perot and his supporters as an alternative to the Democratic and Republican old-boy party system.

In general, their position is somewhere to the right of Republicans, but not far enough to be considered wackos. Their ideas on tax and election reform are worth serious consideration, but those who care about the arts should note that they believe "The mission of the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) should be confined to promoting Arts Districts within Federal Enterprise Zones. NEA grants for any uses other than the development of infrastructure, such as performance halls and artists markets, should be discontinued."

The Reform Party claims some of the more amusing characters on the political scene - notably Ross Perot and Jesse Ventura.

They've also got one of the most tasteful logos in the wasteland of political graphics.

 

OFFICIAL PLATFORM STATEMENT
FROM THE OFFICIAL WEB PAGE

Mission Statement

We, the members of the Reform Party, commit ourselves to reform our political system. Together we will work to re-establish trust in our government by electing ethical officials, dedicated to fiscal responsibility and political accountability. Adopted in Kansas City, Missouri National Founding Convention November 2, 1997.

1.We shall seek to reform our electoral, lobbying and campaign practices to ensure that our elected government officials and our candidates owe their allegiance and remain accountable to the people whom they are elected to serve rather than other influence-seeking agencies.

2.We shall require ethical conduct by all our government officials with respect to the acceptance of rewards from special interests seeking to influence government during or following their terms of public service.

3.The positions of our Party on all issues will be chosen in accordance with the best interests of our country, its people and its future generations without regard for partisan or personal advantage.

4.The foundation of our Party is the activity of grassroots citizen volunteers. The Reform Party will make our candidates, party officials and elected officials accountable to our grassroots members who are their principle support. Our Party is open to participation by all who wish to join us to work toward our goals.

5.We shall restore integrity, accountability and fiscal responsibility to government and its leadership.

6.We, the members of the Reform Party, celebrate our heritage of individual liberty, recognizing that one of our greatest strengths is our diversity; and we will foster tolerance of the customs, beliefs, and private actions of all persons which do not infringe upon the rights of others. 7.Moreover, we strive to unite all Americans in spirit and in purpose.

 

THE DARKHORSE2000 FISHY-EYED ASSESSMENT

A strong conservative backlash could lead to a respectable showing in the 2000 elections, but . . .

While Ross Perot is an amusing little bugger and the recently announced Donald Trump can afford the best PR flacks in town, their chances of being elected president probably aren't much better than some of the more obscure third party hopefuls. On the other hand, if the Reform Party can get the public to take Jesse Ventura seriously, he could be a contender to watch in the 2004 race.

Somehow, we don't think the Jesse Ventura action figures are a step in the right direction.

- RA

 

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