ADVOCATES FOR PEROT STAY UNITED

Some of Texas billionaire Ross Perot's area supporters, who were active in collecting signatures to have his name placed on the ballot in Missouri as a presidential candidate, are remaining active with a new organization known as "United We Stand, America."

Many of Perot's volunteers from across the country have become part of the group that will promote Perot's ideas, especially his five-year deficit-reduction package that is outlined in a book that went on sale this week.

"We're a voting bloc basically," said Mary Martin of Jackson, who is one of the 8th District coordinators. "We are not trying to elect Ross Perot; the goal is to present the economic plan to the congressional candidates and presidential candidates and ask them to commit to it," she said.

Although Perot has decided not to pursue a run for president, his name likely will be on the ballot in all 50 states. Martin said it is possible Perot could be elected president, but it is unlikely since Perot is not actively campaigning.

She said creation of the new organization followed a meeting many supporters had with Perot in Dallas after he announced on July 16 that he would not be a candidate.

Among those active in the United We Stand group is Sandy McClure of Springfield, who was Perot's state coordinator in Missouri.

Martin said McClure is one of nine people serving on the group's national steering committee.

If candidates this year do not address the deficit and give consideration to Perot's plan, "TV ads can come out and the electronic town hall activated," said Martin.

"The whole goal of the whole movement is to return our government to the people and hold elected officials accountable."

Martin said the group in the 8th District will go to Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson and his Democratic challenger, Thad Bullock, to discuss the Perot economic plan with them. The group also plans to educate voters on the Perot plan, which, she said, is serious about tackling the deficit problem and spreads the burden of balancing the budget.

Martin said the United We Stand organization will not endorse candidates but will meet regularly and promote many of the issues Perot worked for.

"We're a bloc of educated, informed voters, and we want to do what is right for the country," she said. "It's really a people movement; that's the whole thing."

Martin said charter memberships are available in United We Stand for $15, which includes a copy of Perot's book, a state newsletter, and a certificate suitable for framing.

In the 8th District the office address is 1005 N. Kingshighway, Suite 309, in Cape Girardeau. Martin can be reached at 243-1252.

Other coordinators in the 8th District are Ray Ridge in Poplar Bluff, at 785-4346, and Pat Juneau of Rolla, at 364-8325.

McClure, describing the movement at this point, said in a news release: "Perot didn't desert us. He's closer to the volunteers than ever before. He is our sponsor and our spiritual leader, willing to accept any role we ask of him.

"Our mission: united to return the sovereignty of America to her people. This presidential election campaign will be a three-way race: Bush, Clinton and the issues."

McClure pointed out that Perot's name is still on the ballot this year. "He never said he would not serve," said McClure.

Martin said she believes that ballot position gives the Perot ideas considerable clout this year with the other candidates.

"Him being on the ballot in all 50 states is tremendous leverage," said Martin.

There are only a few states where supporters have not yet gotten Perot's name on the Nov. 3 ballot. In Missouri, supporters gathered 138,000 signatures but needed only about 21,000, Martin said.