Buddy Roemer ends Republican presidential bid to seek Reform Party nomination

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Former Louisiana governor Buddy Roemer ended his campaign for the Republican Party (GOP) presidential nomination yesterday to seek the backing of the Reform Party of the United States of America. He plans to make the official announcement at a press conference later today, and also reaffirms his quest for the Americans Elect nod.

Roemer, who limits campaign contributions to $100.00 and does not accept money from Political Action Committees, has made campaign finance reform a centerpiece of his run. He announced his candidacy last July, but was unable to make headway in presidential polls. As a result, he was not invited to any GOP debates.

Last December, Roemer announced that he would seek the nomination of Americans Elect, an independent organization hoping to field a nonpartisan presidential ticket. Later that month, he addressed the Reform Party of New Jersey, fueling speculation that he would seek the party's nomination. However, after the meeting, campaign manager Carlos Sierra told Wikinews that Roemer "does not intend to seek their nomination". He now says that Roemer changed his mind after "[n]ot getting into any of the GOP debates."

Industrialist Ross Perot founded the Reform Party in 1995. As the party's first presidential nominee in 1996, he received over eight percent of the popular vote, the highest percentage for a third party candidate since. After this, the party was plagued by infighting, and decreased in prominence. In 2008, Ted Weill was nominated for president, but appeared on the ballot in only Mississippi, receiving 481 votes. Since then, the party has revived somewhat, and has already attained ballot access in four states.

Wikinews held a forum in January for the candidates seeking the party's presidential nomination. All three then-candidates participated, including former college football coach Robby Wells, Earth Intelligence Network CEO Robert David Steele, and small business owner Andre Barnett.

Since then, Steele ended his campaign, and Wells dropped out to seek the Constitution Party nomination. For now, Roemer will face Barnett, as well as economist Dick McCormick, who recently announced his candidacy.

Roemer plans to make his announcement today in Santa Monica, California. His campaign manager looks forward to the next stage, explaining, "we believe we can form a powerful coalition of Americans who are tired of the status quo."

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Sources

Wikinews

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

Wikinews

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

"2012 Presidential Candidates" — Reform Party of the United States of America, February 23, 2012 (date of access)
"Buddy Roemer to Drop Out of Republican Race, Affirms Commitment to Seek Americans Elect Nomination" — Ballot Access News, February 22, 2012
Michael A. Memoli. "Buddy Roemer ending GOP bid, will seek Reform Party nomination" — Chicago Tribune, February 22, 2012
"Press Release: AE Gains Ballot Access in New Mexico (Press Release)" — Americans Elect, February 6, 2012

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