Unconventional Politics

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There had been some apprehension last week that ROSS PEROT would throw his hat into the ring of Reform Party presidential politics, thus turning an already turbulent situation hopelessly chaotic. Once upon a time--well, in 1992--the party Perot founded had earned a phenomenal 19% of the presidential vote. In 1996, it still managed to win 8.5%. Lately, however, there have been problems. The party's star performer, Governor JESSE VENTURA of Minnesota, bolted earlier this year. The strange alliance between PATRICK BUCHANAN, from the right, and Lenora Fulani, from the left, has collapsed. So there was some relief when Perot decided he would not have his name placed on the ballot after all. That, however, doesn't end the party's woes. Buchanan is the lead contender for the nomination, but he faces a strong challenge from JOHN HAGELIN, who also represents the Natural Law Party. Meanwhile, Perotians are trying to put "No endorsement" on the party's ballot. If such a blank slate were to win, the party might not have a nominee, meaning it would lose its $12 million in federal matching funds and its party status for 2004. It would join the ranks of most American third parties, which have quickly faded away.

--By Matthew Cooper/Washington