4.02
The American Reform Party
1. Discuss the general platform of this party.
Initially when the party was formed, its general platform was the same as Ross Perot’s Reform Party. Then they shifted left and endorsed the Green Party’s platform. As of 2010, they have become pro- Tea Party. Now they stand for smaller government, spending cuts, term limits and tighter immigration control.
2. What candidates have run as a member of this party?
Ross Perot was their most well known member, but that was before they splintered into the American Reform Party. Their most notable endorsement as the “American Reform Party” was for Green Party candidate, Ralph Nader. Though they started out fielding candidates for state and federal level during “Reform Party” primaries with mixed results, they now only endorse candidates from all major parties that support their platform.
3. What type of success have they had in elections?
They have not had much success in their own party primaries let alone general elections. Since 2000, they have only fielded four state/local candidates nationwide in 2002 and no presidential candidates in 2004 and 2008. Their results were so poor that now they only endorse candidates from other major parties that support their platform.
4. What do you think about the viability of this party?
The viability of this party is highly poor. They have been struggling to find an identity of their own since their inception. Even when they were a part of the Reform Party, they did not have much success. They have swung from a far left position to a far right position. Yet, they still lack visibility and influence in political circles today.