TV POLITICIAN ARRIVES SECRETLY, UNREHEARSED

Published: Friday, October 16, 1992
Section: FRONT , page A5
Source: By Mark O'Keefe, Staff writer

© 1992 Landmark Communications Inc.

11 p.m.: At a post-debate rally, supporters of Ross Perot cheer on their independent candidate, proclaim victory in the debate and predict that Perot will surprise everybody in the election.

8 p.m.: An hour before the debate, the Grand Ballroom at the Jefferson Hotel is half-full with Perot supporters who have come to watch their candidate on a large-screen television. The capacity of the room is 750.

``I know we'll fill it,'' said Michael Rau, Perot's state public relations director. ``We'll overflow into the rotunda, no question about it.

``Perot is really bringing people out of the woodwork. People are realizing he's a dead-serious candidate now. They're definitely looking for an alternative.''

6:05 p.m.: Perot arrives in Richmond, but there are no cheering supporters, no throng of reporters and no Secret Service agents. Sharon Holman, Perot's national press secretary, would only say that he landed. She would not say where.

``We don't give out that information,'' Holman said. ``We don't have Secret Service so we're quiet about what he does and what his movements are.''

Holman said there is ``absolutely no truth'' to previous published reports that the TV politician avoids the traditional campaign trail and trappings because he fears for the security of himself and his family.

3:15 p.m.: Diana Baumann, media coordinator for Perot's state office in Richmond, said she knew nothing about Perot's plans. ``He has a private plane. We don't know what airport he landed at or anything.''

Baumann used a boom box to play a country and western tune, ``Take Our Country Back,'' that she hoped would become a theme song after she introduced it to the campaign at a post-debate rally. ``This is a real scoop for you,'' she said. ``I think it might be a No. 1 hit, like `Achy Breaky Heart.' ''

``It's an unorthodox campaign, isn't it?'' said Baumann.

2:45 p.m.: Holman said her candidate was ``working and relaxing'' in his office at The Perot Group. He was not rehearsing for the debate, Holman said.

11:45 a.m.: Rau said the time and place of Perot's arrival is ``the $64,000 question.''

``He's not doing the traditional politicking,'' Rau said. ``He doesn't want the media following him. . . . You just have to work with the guy and do what he wants to do.''

Description of illustration(s):
AP photo
Ross Perot arrives at Dallas Love Field Airport on his way to Richmond for the debate. He's a ``dead-serious candidate, now,'' a Virginia supporter says.