Beth Schilling, Human services, Kirkland

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"I don't see why not. It's interesting to have more choices than just the Democrats and the Republicans and not be pocketted into those sets of beliefs. It just gives a new choice -- not that I'd necessarily vote for him, though. But if he wants to run again, he should. And maybe he'd bring some new things to the table to discuss... I also think that it's a little late for him to be running. Unfortunately, we start hearing about the presidential election up to two years beforehand. But maybe he wants to piggyback onto some of the other candidates' supporters... But to be seriously considered in the debate, he probably should've acted a tad sooner."

George Weisbecker, Estimator, Kirkland

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"No. The man is mentally ill. He has delusions about persecutors, about his daughter, and he ought to be incarcerated, not elected... People who'd vote for Perot probably wouldn't vote otherwise -- a lunatic fringe... He'd make a better fuhrer than a president."

Lillian Kenison, Retired dental technician, Kirkland

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"No. He blew it the first time when he ran and then withdrew. His credibility went out the window with the silly reasons he gave. He doesn't have the credibility we need, but neither does anybody else. I may not even vote this time, and that's very rare for me... I liked Morrie Taylor, but he never did even hardly made it to the TV. I didn't see much of him so maybe that's why I have a good impression of him. That, plus he's a businessman. He owned a lot of very big service businesses and I liked the way he treated his employees... Perot made his money from government contracts... I'm looking for some candidate to tell us issues and not just knock the other guy or other party. Stop the politicking... However, our leaders reflect us. We get what we deserve."

Bob Jepson, Computer programmer, Redmond

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"Sure. Yes. It would change the dynamics of the race -- make it more interesting, if nothing else... There was no one else running I preferred, but it's too political anyway, meaning they're all just looking for votes instead of taking a stand on issues. That's what's missing in the process. It becomes more like choosing between Tweedledum and Tweedledee... Perot has zero chance of winning. At this point, if you're not part of the winner-take-all electoral process, you stand no chance to win."

Melvin Cox, Telephone company employee, Kirkland

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"Yes. More competition. I like the current president, but I figure Perot will take away some of the opposition's votes -- it will split the Republicans -- and that's what we need. That's why I think he should run.. His attitude seems to be 'America First', but it didn't work before, so I don't think it will work this time... I also don't think he's dedicated enough. He waffles. He's in the race, he's not. He should get in or not get in."

Angela Orecchio, Retired sales clerk, Bellevue

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"I think he should. He seems to be a pretty nice guy. He might win this time. I like Clinton, too, but maybe we need a change -- I don't know. I don't think the candidates are very exciting, so he might win. Last time, he was just a newcomer to the game. This time, he knows a bit more and maybe he'll make it."

Copyright © 1996 by the Bellevue, WA-based Journal American newspaper.

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